This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
The morning of June 16th, I received the following email from Barbie, our editor at 5 Minutes for Faith:
Janice over at 5 Minutes for Mom is inquiring about a writer for the World Vision trip to Bolivia, July 30-August 7. Let me know ASAP if you are interested in going!
“Are you going to be bold?”
Typically I would have quickly decided that would be a perfect thing for someone else to do, but that morning I had posted Three Truths to Make You Bold on my personal blog. So, as I read through that email a voice in my head said, “So, are you going to be bold or just write about it?”
As I busied myself with my daily routines that question kept tumbling around in my head. I am not a risk taker. I am not bold. But what could it hurt to get a little more information….
I sent an email to Barbie that said, “I’m actually surprising myself, because I have never imagined doing anything like this. Of course, that is how God works so often. Do you have someone yet, or is it possible for me to hear more?”
Twelve hours later, after the goose bumps and nausea turned to excitement, with the encouragement of my husband, Barbie, Janice, and Lindsey at World Vision.
I said “YES” to going to Bolivia with World Vision
From July 30th – August 7th, I will travel to Cochabamba, Bolivia, with a group of bloggers and representatives from World Vision.
Take a moment to visit the Bolivia Bloggers Page to find out more about our trip and the wonderful team of people who will be sharing their experiences through posts at their own blogs and the World Vision Blog.
I know that preparing for and going on this trip has changed my summer. Having my eyes opened to the needs of children, families, and communities in Bolivia and the ministry of World Vision . . . well, that is changing me.
The children need you!
Did you know that in just two of the many locations World Vision is working in Bolivia, there are more than 1,200 children who need sponsors? I can’t wait to share some of their stories with you. We are going to learn together how we can partner with World Vision to change lives; and I believe that it will not only be the lives of children and families in Bolivia that will be changed, but just possibly our lives will be changed as well.
Tracy B. says
Deb,
Yes, you will diffentely want to go back again and again. After that first trip to Honduras I’ve been back many times. My first trip was to help build houses for people after Hurricane Mitch hit (it hit in 1998), but after that we built a junior high/high school in the village, and I’ve gone back to teach sewing classes to the girls! I love it!!!
I’m looking forward to reading your blogs about your trip!!
se7en says
Oh Wow, I am so excited for you… I can’t wait to follow along and read about your trip… So well done for taking that huge step and saying yes!!!
Lindsey Talerico-Hedren says
Sooooo excited to read about everyone’s support and encouragement for our trip! Great post, Deb!
Deb says
I know Lindsey! This is such a huge blessing! Thanks for everything! Blessings!
Tracy B. says
That’s awesome, DebW! God will change your life forever!
I went on my first Mission Trip (through my chruch) 10 years ago. I thought I was going to help the people in Honduras, which I did, but God taught me so much more than I ever imagined! And I made friends over there that I still communicate with today!!
Have a wonderful and blessed trip!!
Deb says
Tracy, I love hearing from people who have been on mission trips in the past. Most of them want to repeat the experience again and again. I can’t wait to see everything the Lord has in store for us, and to share all of the stories of ways we can all make a difference. Thanks so much for your words of encouragement!
Mommy Moment says
Such amazing news!! Great that you said yes!
Smiles,
Jody
Deb says
Thanks Jody. I still can’t believe I did! Thanks for your encouragement!
DebW says
Thank you Lolli and Melissa. I am very excited!
Donna Lutjens says
What an amazing opportunity! I’m sure it will truly be life-changing.
Melissa says
Amazing! I can’t wait to hear more!
Lolli says
Very exciting news! I hope you have a fabulous time!
Barbie says
I am so excited for you! I just know that God is going to bless you tremendously for taking this step of faith. You will never be the same. You haven’t been the same since your heart said “yes”! I will be following along and can’t wait to hear from you and the other writers.
DebW says
Thanks Barbie! Your email that morning with stand out in my mind for the rest of my life. That day with God’s help I jumped into the deep end of the pool instead of wading in shallow water. I’m still having a little trouble believing it! Thanks so much for all of your encouragement.
Shanda Oakley says
OH, congratulations on being asked to go with such an incredible organization. May God bless you and totally change you are heart while you are there. I look forward to hearing the stories! I actually have friends there now with the US embassy and the Dutch embassy but have never been myself.
DebW says
Thank you Shanda, I am so excited to be going. I’m sure your friends have shared many stories with you. I’m looking forward to learning more about the country and culture of Bolivia, but more than anything I am thrilled to be going with World Vision and learning about their work with children and families. I can’t wait to share my experience here with you.