This post might be rather long, but I want to make sure that I write down all the details so I remember them in several years. I also want to blog all about my trip when I come home. Without further ado, here we go!
First of all, The Ferguson Family Foundation was started by Larry and Kay Ferguson in 2002. "It provides financial support to individuals and churches in the form of education, missionary support, and planting churches. The purpose of the foundation is to support the cause of Jesus Christ and help people in the world to know Christ and help make Him known."
When I met with the Fergusons last month, they explained their heart behind this trip. Larry explained that they want to take high school seniors because this time in our lives is pivotal. We are about to graduate and be on our own. We have multiple choices and decisions to make. We have the choice to leave our faith or to chase after it whole heartily. We have the choice to make our faith our own. He wants this trip to be the trigger for us to serve and follow Christ with our entire being.
They started taking this trip in the spring of 2008. Which actually, was the year my big brother Aaron was a senior. He had the chance to travel with them as well. This will be their 7th trip to Israel.
Last May, I received a letter in the mail on a Wednesday actually. It was from the Ferguson Family Foundation. It was an application for the Fall Israel Trip. I had two weeks to write an essay on how I would use the trip to share about my faith in Christ when I got home. I spend alot of time writing my essay and turned it in on June 1st. I didn't hear anything for a little while. Then I heard that 3 of my friends from my church, FBC Branson, were all going. I'm not going to lie, I was very disappointed. I was sad. I had worked hard on this essay and now I didn't get to go. (little did I know there was a spring trip).
Fast forward to August. August 25th, a Thursday. It was just a regular school day. I got a letter after school from the Ferguson Family Foundation. It was my official letter letting me know that I had been chosen and would be going on the trip from March 9th-18th, 2012. I was elated. I was so excited. I ran around the house a
There are 12 High School seniors going from all over the country. Florida, Texas, Missouri, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Tennessee. We also have 4 adults going with us. It has been so fun getting to know the group via email, twitter, facebook, emails etc.
We've set up a private facebook group. Mr. Ferguson sends us places and sights to research for both the biblical and current meaning/information. I have a notebook filled and can't wait to journal while I'm there. I know that what I have found online is nothing in comparison to what I will see, hear, and do in Israel. I can't wait. I know it will change my life.
It has just began to set in this week. I mean I've had countdowns since last fall, but it's seems so real now. I'm getting out my luggage, (backpack, suitcase, passport/money holder), i'm getting all my camera "stuff", clothes, itinerary, snacks....my list is growing.
These are the luggage tags they gave us!
It's kinda blurry. iPhone pix!
I can't wait to journal and blog about my trip when I get home. It might be a couple of days per jetlag, but I will write! :)
If you think about it please pray for the following:
*safe travels for all 16 of us going
*connections to all flights at all 3 airports
*safety in the country (ie Iran and Israel NOT bomb each other while I'm there)
*for me to learn and grow as much as possible while I'm there
*for my passion to be so alive when I get home!!
If y'all have any travel tips and tricks feel free to send my way! I'm SO excited!
Emily OXOX
Sounds like an amazing opportunity! Have an amazing trip and post lots of recaps and pics when you get back!
ReplyDeleteYou'll definitely be in my prayers ;0)