Time is Ticking Away!

AHHH! It's only EIGHT days until I'm boarding a plane to take me to China! EIGHT!


Can anyone else believe it?

I'm pretty sure that everyone on our team can't. It seems like just yesterday I signed up for the trip (though I guess that's almost true), and here we are, almost a week out.

Things have been SO busy for me (working, babysitting, VBS this week, annnd more working), that I haven't even started backing. Which is crazy for me, because usually I'm done like a week before the trip.

This year we've decided to buy most of our donations over in China to save us space. One of the legs of our trip we can only have a carry-on size suitcase and a backpack on us, so we're trying to save on space.

The only things we're bringing are things that are expensive over there, like formula. I noticed last year that toothpaste is expensive as well, so I'm having people donate that.

I've really had an amazing response of people who want to help out. Within an hour of posting a facebook status asking for help, I had numerous people asking... which is amazing.

I even had one family ask if I need a suitcase that I can just toss while I'm there, which I did! How wonderful is that? The Lord truly does know our needs and provides just in the perfect timing.

So this week will be my collecting donations and packing week. It's going to be so crazy! I'm so excited though :) I'm itching to see/meet my teammates and more importantly MY KIDS! :)

It's coming so close that I get so excited thinking about it. :)

EIGHT DAYS!

A Father's Love

My Goodness its been forever since I've posted.

I must say, it's been harder for me to post this year. Last year I was so transparent because I wanted to remember everything: my struggles, joys, and excitement from our trip.

I don't know what it was about this year, maybe life got so busy, but I just haven't been able to be like that.

To be honest, it's been a hard process, once again. Raising the money and waiting on God's timing is insanely hard. And you think after being through this three times I'd have learned, right? But that just goes to show how much we really DO need to depend on Him.

This year I set out with the goal of earning every penny for this trip. I thought I didn't need my parent's help, and it would all be from me. I truly believed that.

But as time went by, as I worked my butt off babysitting and working, it just wasn't enough.

As my deadline grew closer, I realized that I wasn't going to make it. Not on my own, anyways.

I still had a pretty significant amount, and on top of that they added $300 more to the cost my trip towards the end.

The Lord was really testing my faith in Him.

Our deadline came around and I asked my parents to pay the rest, and I'd pay them back--it just wouldn't be until after the trip.

But one day my dad, Mr. Never Spend a Penny More Than Necessary, came to me and said I didn't need to pay them back. And he sincerely meant it. It wasn't one of those sheepish "I'm saying this to make you feel better" things, he really meant it!

And in that moment a huge weight lifted off of my shoulders and it felt so good. I cried because of the love that he was showing.

It was just such a good glimpse of the Father's love from my dad. Something that I didn't deserve, he gave to me willingly... even though it probably wasn't easy.

I am such a blessed girl. Blessed by the Father, to be given this opportunity again. Blessed by my mom and dad, who support me fully in everything I do.

So with that being said, the crazy planning starts! :)

Rich Girl

Yesterday I realized something.

If I weren't going to China, I'd be one very rich girl.

You see, lately I've been so busy. Working, gardening, babysitting SO much, to the point where I'm barely home. And I'd be rich if I weren't going to China. Because all that I make is going towards it. Really, all of it.

But the thing is... I couldn't be happier. I'm so glad that I'm going, and when I look back, I don't know what else is be spending my money on.

Certainly nothing as important as the precious orphans in Chenzhou.

And on the bad days when in tired or really not wanting to deal with customers... I think of my sweet friends in the orphanage, and everything is better. :)

And in the end, I AM a rich girl... Because in three weeks I get the BEST treasure of all. I get to be in Chenzhou to see those I love. And THAT is the biggest blessing God can give me right now. :)

I still have about $1,500 to raise in one week.... Consider donating to my trip fund?

The website is: https://www.visitingorphans.org/cgi-bin/donate.cgi
I'm going on the "Chenzhou - July 2012" trip.
And click "yes" to giving to a specific team member and write "Megan Konyn" in the box.

ANY financial help is a blessing.

20 days! :)

51 Days.

1 month.

19 Days.

18 hours.

17 minutes.

And I'll be on an airplane at this time, flying to China. That's a grand total of 51 days. BOY does time fly. And I'm so excited and SO ready to be there.

Today my cousin left for China... She's going to stay at New Day (orphanage) for a few months... and I have to admit, I'm pretty jealous. Haha. I wish that was me right now. But for now I have to wait.

It's been an exciting week.

We'd been praying for a 10th team member to come on our trip with us... 1) it would be cheaper because we get group rates and 2) we needed more arms to hold our precious babies.

Today we officially got our 10th team member... I got a text from a friend saying that she's coming with us. Again. For the third time as well. AHH! AMAZING the things that God can do.

I'm so excited. Because now my dear friend Elyssa is coming back again.

I absolutely love this girl, and China wouldn't have been the same without her. And I'm so excited because we need familiar faces, as well. I can just remember how excited the orphanage was to see that both of us came back last year... and now we have SIX on this team returning. SIX!

I'm so excited about what God is doing with our team. It's going to be amazing.

I'm so thrilled right now... only a short time until I'll be able to see my sweet kids!

( And yes, I do currently have 2 countdowns on my phone going at once... ;)

It's a God Thing

So lately, I've been freaking out about the money situation for my trip (and I'm sure my parents have, as well haha). But I really have been amazed to see how God has shown us just in the last few weeks. And it's really shown me that His plan is perfect.

A few weeks ago I decided I wanted to homeschool the rest of the year because we've recently had a lot of drama going on at my school. And I was sad that everything happened, God has opened new doors for me.

The day after I decided to homeschool, a woman called me in need of a babysitter for the next week (and probably for weeks to come).

Also, I was able to dog sit for some people last week, when I probably wouldn't be able to before because I'd be gone at school too long.

Which the money from that actually helped me reach my deposit goal from last week. So I wasn't late on anything, and my parents have all their money back.

Yeah, definitely a God thing.

It just goes to show that no matter what your plans are, God's are always better... His will is always better than your own.

A pastor once said, "If God answered every single one of my silly prayers, I'd be in a bad spot right now."

And isn't that the truth? And He's just shown me again that He is always in control, and it always works so much better when we let Him take control.

With that being said, I'm over halfway there (money wise), and I'm so excited. Prayers for my finances would be much appreciated... I'm still planning fundraisers and all. :)

Crazy

Sometimes, I think I'm a little crazy.

And sometimes... other people think I'm a little crazy. (Even my boss looked at me after I told a story yesterday and said, "You worry me sometimes." Jokingly, of course. I think...)

I mean, I'm going back to China. Again. For the 3rd time on a mission trip.

When my brother found out I was going to Chenzhou back in 2010, he looked at my like I was insane. He wasn't the biggest fan of China when we adopted my sister... and I mean, I could see why not. We were young, we all got sick, and the culture is just very different.

But there's something about it that I love. Yes, there's something about it that makes me feel like I'm at home when I arrive.

Some think I'm crazy (Sometimes even I think I'm crazy) for thinking I can raise $4,000 in only a few months.

And maybe I am. But that's just where faith comes in. I'm believing that God will provide every last dollar that I need in order to be in Chenzhou this summer.

Some think I'm crazy for leaving my family and friends for two weeks to go on a trip by myself. Travel with strangers in a foreign country.

But the truth is... those strangers become quick friends, which have lasting relationships that make you feel like family. I love everyone who I've been to China with so far, and we still keep in contact. They are all just amazing people... and once you go through such a life changing experience with them, you become molded into family.

I remember when my group leader, Shannon, and one of my eating buddies, Tammy, came to visit in September. My friends were asking me if I was going to a football game the night they came, and I replied I had friends coming into town that night. "Oh! Will bring them to the game!" they would say. And when I told them that they were friends my parents age, and probably didn't want to go to a highschool football game, they all looked at me like I was crazy. Haha. But you know what, I truly consider these women to be great friends. :)

So, yeah, I may be crazy. But the truth of the matter is, it's so worth it.

I would be crazy every day if it meant I could go back to China. To Chenzhou. To see my wonderful friends I've made there.

It's only a short time (sadly we can't stay for eternity), but I wouldn't trade it in. Everything that I've mentioned up there is so worth it to see the kids. To bring them hope and love. To be completely ruined by what you see when you're there.

So if that's your definition of crazy... then yes, I'm glad to be it. :)

By the way, there's still room on our Chenzhou trip in July if any of you are interested. I'm telling you, you won't regret it. It is all worth it. To learn more, click here.

Strong and Courageous

I've been meaning to write about this for a few weeks now, but I just haven't gotten around to it. And I kind of pushed it off for awhile. Then I had a talk with a friend from school and I just felt like I needed to get my thoughts down somewhere.

On March 1st, a man named Jeremiah Small was killed in Iraq. He was a teacher at my school's sister school there. After watching one of my teachers lectures via video, he was shot. He's what we call a modern day martyr.

I never met Jeremiah. But I've read articles and heard testimonies, and I know he made an impact on the world he left behind. He left a legacy.

The whole situation left me humbled, though. There was this man that so firmly believed in what he was teaching, the truth of the gospel, that he put himself in danger every single day. Voluntarily.

How inspiring is that?

It really makes you step back for a moment and think, "Would I do that? Am I that brave? Am I willing to be a martyr?"

I am humbled.

Because personally, I live this comfortable life in which everyone around me either knows the gospel or has heard of it. And if I come across someone who doesn't, I know I become scared to tell them. Why? Because I'm afraid of what they'll think of me.

But... that doesn't matter. I'm not called to be loved and to fit in with the world... I'm called to get out of my comfort zone and make disciples, just as Jesus called us to do when He rose to Heaven. I'm commanded not to fear, but to be strong and courageous.

Ever think about the people who are so lost? There are people in some parts of the world that have never heard of Jesus. Or if they have, they don't realize that He's a real person, that He can change their lives. They haven't grown up in a Christian family. That haven't been brought the good news. There are people who are so lost that they will kill those who believe.

And why? Because the church is lazy. The body of Christ. You. Me.

Each and every one of us is called to help further the kingdom of God. To make disciples of ourselves, to tell the good news.

It doesn't have to be in a far away country.

It can be in your neighborhood. Or at work. Or maybe standing in line at the store. The simplest things can make a world of a difference.

That's exactly what Christians have been commanded to do.

Anyways... this has just been a sobering incident that has made me reevaluate my life.

And it's time for my comfort zone to be torn down. Because ultimately it's not about me, it's about HIM.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
-Joshua 1:9