Hello from Team Avis!

Hello! I'm officially joining the Scotland blog with a picture of me
and 6 of my favorite young people -- my neices and nephews!
3 of them -- Alaina, Grant, and Luke -- are part of the Scotland Missions 2010 team. Our trip is only 6 weeks away and we're all getting very excited.

As I prepare to go, I've been reflecting on Romans 12:9-13. The apostle Paul shares about being devoted to one another, never lacking in zeal, being joyful in hope and patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. My favorite phrase is this: "Share with God's people in need. Practice hospitality."

As I prepare to go to Scotland I am seeing these verses in a new light. While we're ministering in Scotland with the Overtoun House missionaries, what opportunities will present themselves to be joyful in hope? With whom or for whom will we pray? Will traveling circumstances require me to be patient? (A total of 6 different flights, 4 different trains, rental cars, taxis, the "tube" -- driving on the other side of the road -- ya think?)

Seriously. I'm an event planner. What does that mean? Plan, plan, plan. Check lists on paper. Check lists in my head. But the Lord is already showing me that His good hand is my preparations. He is reminding me that He is in control and I am not. This is a good thing.

And my favorite part? Living out the "practice hospitality" part of Romans 12. For our entire trip, my primary role will be to be "Chef Avis" to our team and, at times, the Overtoun House staff. This is really exciting to me! 3 meals a day for 10-18 people means meal plans, shopping lists, metric conversions, and flexibility! As for traditional Scottish foods like haggis, blood pudding, mutton, and mincemeat? Hmmm. I'll keep you posted about that.

Thanks for following our journey. As we share our hearts and our lives, please pray that God is glorified in all we do!

Avis