Yo yo yo! Oh hey guys!

So my real name is Megan Collins. No, I don't have a fake name. Sometimes I think about getting one, but I always reconsider.

This is like the 900 millionth time I've tried to write this. I always delete it and tell myself I should talk about other things, or I just don't want to write it any more. Talking about myself is weird. But I know everyone always wants to hear about the team mates and what they're like. So here goes.

Well to start out, I actually went on the Africa Expeditions trip with AIM last summer. The Lord used that trip to change my life forever. He awakened me. I came home with so much passion and desire to live for Him, to love Him, and to disciple the people in my community. These last 6 months I've been learning a lot about church planting and deep discipleship. It's so awesome to see the Lord work when you live as a continual sacrifice for Him. I love it. I absolutely love it. I love the Lord. I don't think I could ever say that enough. I love the Lord. I love the Lord. I love the Lord. Ah man. Yeah.

Right now I work at a coffee shop called Eli's Coffee as well as attend classes at a community college. I'll be going to Moody Bible Institute in the Fall doing their Teaching English as a Second Language program. I'm so pumped! I love to teach, I love English, I love Moody, and I love the Lord. I'm excited to be living in freaking Chicago and be surrounded by new people and learning new things.

I love missions. I definitely feel called to long-term foreign missions. Which could mean absolutely everything, and I am super excited to see how the Lord leads me and how my life plays out. Ha. That's a funny thing to say.

I am all about building deep relationships with people. Which is why it's so hard for me to write this; I'd rather tell you all in person through conversation and hear about your lives. I think I have a shepherding heart, and I also really love to give. It's one of my favorite things in the entire world. I think the Lord has given me a gift to see people's strengths. I've kind of been learning these things about myself lately, so that's why I mention it.

Ummmm what else. Oh. There are a few things in life that I really hate. And sorry to anyone who feels the opposite way, but I hate cats. They are kind of the worst. I also really hate Beauty and the Beast (sorry Maggie! Hope we can still be friends.)

I will be honest, my going on this trip isn't a 100% for-sure thing yet. It would be awesome if you would pray about that for me. I've got a lot of open doors right now and I've got a pretty big decision ahead of me. But I want you to know that if I don't end up going, I will be covering you in prayer all the time from home. I don't know you guys, but I already love you. So even if I never get to meet you in person, know that you are loved and I'm excited to read through your blogs and hear how the Lord is using you guys to reach orphans, prostitutes, kids, the elderly, and bring healing to people's lives. Actually, that's what I'm most excited for. To see how the Lord uses this team to bring healing.

Walk in freedom and do not fear, you guys. He calls us to a spirit of freedom, not fear. He promises to hold our hand and to rest in his comfort and joy. So receive it!

Jacob and Lucas, good luck. Sorry you're the only dudes haha. I'm really excited to see how the Lord uses even things like that when we're there. He always has a plan, and he's going to use the team and everyone one on it. So there will be a reason there are only two of you.

You all should know that instead of clothes I will bring things like squirt guns, ridiculously huge sunglasses, glow sticks, silly putty, the dice game Farkle, food coloring, and whatever else I can find. I'm thinking about only bringing one week's worth of clothes, and then filling the rest of my suitcase with junk. Honestly, the Expeditions trip taught me that you really don't need to shower that often. Or wear deoderant. Or pack more than 5 shirts and two pants. So um yeah. Get excited for that. I definitely encourage you guys to do the same. It's way more fun. 50lbs of clothes, or 50lbs of peanut butter? Peanut butter. Always.

See ya!

Megan Rose