Happy Easter and a missions trip!

We celebrated Easter early this year.  Really, its not so important the date as it is the fact that He is Risen!  Christ is risen indeed.  What a beautiful truth.  One that has set us free!  I'm so thankful for all that Christ has done for me!

Normally, we celebrate this holiday with friends and we have missed being with them this year!  Our plans were altered though and so this year we remained at home.  We celebrated on Saturday by attending church (I'm glad we had that option!) and having our Easter dinner a day early too.  

The reason ... Rebecca is leaving to go on a missions trip in just a few hours!  She will be going with a team from our church to the Dominican Republic!  They will be there for a week.  

She will be going with a team of 6 other high school students and two adults.  All female as it turns out.  This is Rebecca's first trip out of the country.  What a huge step.  One huge step that she will be making without her family there with her.  As her Mom, I can't help but reflect on the fact that she is growing up.  This this is the beginning of a path that will at times not include her family.  Its a little bittersweet as I would love to be there to experience it all with her.  I know this is all good though and is a part of letting go.  Trusting God to guide her, lead her and watch over her.

I know that God will use this team to change hearts.  Both the hearts of the people in the Dominican Republic as well as those on the team.  He is so eager to pour out His love to all of us!  Praying for open hearts to hear Him and to receive all that He is ready to give.

Praying for health and safety as they travel.  Praying for opportunities to share His love with all that they meet.  Praying that He would draw people to Him on this trip.

"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us"  Eph 3:20  It is so easy to stop short of asking God to do big things.  To trust that He can do more than we can even imagine!  Praying that HE would do so much more than we have asked or even considered!

So very thankful for my amazing daughter and her willingness and desire to go and serve in this way.   Praying that she would come to know and love God in a whole new way.  Praying for you often my  beautiful daughter and will look forward to when you return so that I can hear all about your trip.  I love you so very much!  Mom

 Happy Easter from all of the  Nelsens!

 Blessings
Leslie