Journal Entries / Italy 2011- July 21-22
**I figured it would be a cool idea to publicly reveal my journal entries throughout my Italy trip. Instead of giving one long elaborate testimony, I am giving you full access to my heart, soul, and mind. These entries are that of pain, insight, encouragement, and growth. This is God's work in me. I'll try and post one a day. Once again, this is God moving. (To get an idea of the setting, I would journal each morning, hence the "yesterdays", last nights and the two dates)
July 21-22
I just arrived here in Texas at the Global Expeditions camp. Despite the excellent fellowship and awesome worship, I am already feeling the sacrifice of missions in one simple way... Trying to sleep in a 95 degree bunk. I was brought to near heat exhaustion by simply sleeping. Waking up at 1 AM to hike to the bathroom was relatively unpleasant as I felt vomiting was necessary.
Instead I returned to my bunk to lie in unrest where I met with God to declare that all I am is for Him. In my comfort and discomfort. It's all for Him. He is worthy of pain, suffering, even death. As I cried out to God, I was finally granted rest to which I oddly slept the remainder of the night through... One night and I am already crying out in discomfort. My life is so catered to. At least I have a home, and food, and a bathroom in one place... Lights to turn on when I feel ill, medicine to take, and an air conditioner to use on a normal basis. The shock that comes to me is that by merely taking away the air conditioner, I have been reduced so uncomfortably, that I am crying out to God for rest. How much further when I remove all comforts? I am reminded of two verses. Psalm 23- "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want" and Philippians 4:11 "Not that I speak in respect of want for Ihave learned (am learning) that whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
This has drawn me closer to Him already, but the Lord has comforted me with his body. My fellow missionaries are amazing... I love them with all of my heart already, only God can construct such relationships. I could go on and on about them, and I will but first I will list them off by way of the name game we played, there is...
Energetic Elizabeth, Bouncing Bri, Dazzlin' Dura, Blazin' Bobby, Travelin' Travis, Areeba Arianna, Smiling Sara, Joyful Jackie, Artistic Anastasia, Kickin Kirsten, Hoppin Hanna, Jammin Justin, Beastly Breezy, Ridiculous Ryan (that's me), Cool Cody, Roxbury Rhett, and Jivin' James. Give or take a few... (Forgive me if I have missed any)
If I have set a precedent for this trip, I pray for the Lord to show me contentment. In all that I do, and have, may contentment in Christ be suffice. What a blessing it is to be here.
-Ryan Jackson
July 21-22
I just arrived here in Texas at the Global Expeditions camp. Despite the excellent fellowship and awesome worship, I am already feeling the sacrifice of missions in one simple way... Trying to sleep in a 95 degree bunk. I was brought to near heat exhaustion by simply sleeping. Waking up at 1 AM to hike to the bathroom was relatively unpleasant as I felt vomiting was necessary.
Instead I returned to my bunk to lie in unrest where I met with God to declare that all I am is for Him. In my comfort and discomfort. It's all for Him. He is worthy of pain, suffering, even death. As I cried out to God, I was finally granted rest to which I oddly slept the remainder of the night through... One night and I am already crying out in discomfort. My life is so catered to. At least I have a home, and food, and a bathroom in one place... Lights to turn on when I feel ill, medicine to take, and an air conditioner to use on a normal basis. The shock that comes to me is that by merely taking away the air conditioner, I have been reduced so uncomfortably, that I am crying out to God for rest. How much further when I remove all comforts? I am reminded of two verses. Psalm 23- "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want" and Philippians 4:11 "Not that I speak in respect of want for I
This has drawn me closer to Him already, but the Lord has comforted me with his body. My fellow missionaries are amazing... I love them with all of my heart already, only God can construct such relationships. I could go on and on about them, and I will but first I will list them off by way of the name game we played, there is...
Energetic Elizabeth, Bouncing Bri, Dazzlin' Dura, Blazin' Bobby, Travelin' Travis, Areeba Arianna, Smiling Sara, Joyful Jackie, Artistic Anastasia, Kickin Kirsten, Hoppin Hanna, Jammin Justin, Beastly Breezy, Ridiculous Ryan (that's me), Cool Cody, Roxbury Rhett, and Jivin' James. Give or take a few... (Forgive me if I have missed any)
If I have set a precedent for this trip, I pray for the Lord to show me contentment. In all that I do, and have, may contentment in Christ be suffice. What a blessing it is to be here.
-Ryan Jackson
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| Becoming Acquainted |
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| Chickentag |
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| Planking. Duh. |
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