Lately I've been questioning...

How do I prepare for a year in the mission field? 

This question will make you crazy. Can one really prepare for God's work? I have been answering this question with more bible studies, prayer groups, and asking God to prepare my heart. ALL of these being good things to prepare and practice. However, it still felt like I was missing something and I still felt like I was very unprepared! 

This weekend I attended the Medical Missions Seminar in Springdale, Arkansas. Here I voiced my question to a group of incredible missionaries who have lived this life and asked this question. What I was told completely changed my view on preparing for the Lords work and I wanted to share it with all of you in hopes it might calm the storms in your faith walk. 

I was told...

Love is the only preparation. 

Love for those He has placed in your life today, Love for those He has in place tomorrow, and Love for those He will place in your life during the mission trip. You can not truly prepare for everything God is going to do through your life in service to Him. But, you can learn to love everyday deeper through His eyes. 

So what am I going to do now? 

I am going to live everyday in service to Him and not worry about what might happen in October. I am going to live everyday as a new day to love deeper and serve the people in my life now. To be the best daughter, friend, teacher, and disciple I can be. I am going to focus on the present mission I have been placed in and have faith that He will prepare the way. He always does. I will strive everyday to remember He is in charge, not me. 

I hope you all have an incredible week filled with loving deeper and growing closer to Him who does immeasurably more than we can ever imagine. 

Love y'all, 

Ashton Bussard