Best Weekend Ever?

I definitely think it's up there.

On Friday and Saturday, the girls headed to Lakeland for The Revolve Tour. I can't believe this was my fifth time going to one of these conferences. But for all the other girls in the class, it was their first time, which made it a lot of fun. The music was amazing (Yay for Britt Nicole, Group 1 Crew and Hawk Nelson) the dramas were thought provoking, and the speakers had some incredible messages to share (Yay for Jenna Lucado, Chad Eastham and Jamie Grace) The theme of the conference was "Dream On". It is always a joy to hear about God's plan and dream for your life that is so much bigger than we could ever dream of by ourselves. I know I learned a lot and I am pretty sure the other girls took some stuff in as well.

It is pretty safe to say that the definite highlight of the weekend was when we got to meet Chad Eastham and Daniel Biro. My mom won a drawing for us to meet them backstage. It was sooo cool! The guys just sat and talked with us for a while and then we got to take pictures. We'll just say it was one of those experiences that will be talked about for a long time.

(Chad telling us to fake laugh, because it makes the best pictures. It worked)

(Daniel Biro from Hawk Nelson. I was a very very happy girl)

(Of course, Jenna Lucado, my favorite speaker, and so encouraging when you go to meet her)

On Sunday I was given the opportunity to share with my church family about my missions trip to China. I was overwhelmed by people's response of hugs and promises of prayer. God is once again showing me His dream for my life as he continues to provide for this trip. 87 days until I'm China bound!

Oh! and 5 days until adulthood and vacation. Just sayin', I'm a little bit excited.

China!

At 3:08 PM on Monday, March 7th, I received the email that changed my life. "On behalf of Show Hope I am pleased to inform you that you have been accepted for the new June 17-26, 2011 Student Show Hope Trip to China!"

I applied for this trip about 5 months ago after feeling God put a deep call on my heart to care for the orphans. 2 weeks ago I received an email about a new trip opening up because so many students had applied (I originally applied for August) and was asked if I would be willing to go in June. My answer was immediately "yes". And now here I am, accepted for this new trip.

Words cannot explain how excited I am to have been given this opportunity. I am looking forward to holding, loving, and showing hope to the precious orphans in China.

Already, I feel things are getting crazy as I am begining to prepare for this trip. Passport, prayer cards, support letters and fundraiser ideas, all this has been going on in my head the past couple of days. I'm reminded that God is in control of it all, and He will provide and work everything out.

Keep checking back as I post more details about this trip!

Maria's Big House of Hope.