What kind of sacrifices am I prepared to make as I prepare to go to the Dominican Republic?  What sacrifices are required? Am I prepared to "roughing it" as we travel throughout the rural areas and restrooms at the state park would be more welcome than what they have to offer?

Today's lesson is on Mark 12, the widow's mite which was a true giving sacrifice over the leader's donation of silver.   Our trip costs are about $1100 a person plus $100 spending money for meals that are not included along our journey and to buy some local trinkets brought in to help the local economy.  We also are asked to bring supplies to leave behind for the guest house and future guests (aka mission teams following us).  As I ponder the question what sacrifices am I prepared to make I am also preparing for our T&T lesson... "The Bible Teaches us How to Live."  I am loving how my different lessons continue to bend into each other and I can glean more from each of them as I continually review them.    We have used a majority of our savings and "fun" money to cover this trip and are already planning a garage sale or two in the spring to raise more for next year's trip.  But that is speaking financially, I am prepared to love on the different people we meet and to show God's love through my actions and words.  Sacrifices on a trip as we are taking will be financial, but also emotional and mental.  I know our Matthew is going WAY out his comfort zone on this trip and I am prepared to give him as much space as I can so that he can be himself and decompress when he needs to.  I am so thankful for Matthew's help as we prepare for this trip, he has been inspiring and I can't wait until he is ready to share this part of the journey through his eyes.

So what sacrifices are you willing to give?  Is it sponsoring a child?  Supporting a local missionary (Awana and CEF are two but there are also Campus Crusade for Christ, New Tribes, Navigators and many many more)? Will you consider joining a short term missions team or supporting one?  What about sending a missionary spices, books, movies, cds, a tablet or laptop?  What will you give so that God's Word and love will be seen and heard throughout the world?