Missions Outreach

So, I recently strongly felt that I am supposed to go on a missions trip this coming summer with Global Expeditions. I origanally wanted to go on a one week trip to Baja, Mexico, but my parents won't allow me to leave the states. Dallas and New York City are my only open options at this moment.
Last Summer, at Falls Creek, I felt as if God was calling me to go on a missions trip, I even almost signed up to go to the U.K. with GO Students, without telling my parents of course, but I felt as if I should pray and seek God a little more about my destination. A few weeks after returning home from Falls Creek, I had completely forgotten about what God hade spoke to me about at camp, until yesterday.
I almost want to just sign up for the New York trip right now, but I know I need to pray about it. I want to go on a trip that I'm called to go on, even if that means going to Dallas, only four hours from home. But, how do I know which trip God is calling me to?
Two years ago at church camp a man was talking to us about how to know where God wants us to go. The one thing I remember him saying is if you have an extreme interest in a certain place, weather it be a state or country, culture, food, etc... God might just be calling you there.
I've wanted to go to New York for a really long time. My friend's sister moved to D.C., so when my friend visited her she was able to go to New York. I was secretly jealous and nver told her. lol. I have had an interest in helping the homeless. I even want to be a teacher at an inner city school when I'm an adult. With, this trip I'll be on the streets with these people, and help with a VBS for children who live in the inner city.
I only live a few hours away from Dallas, and have been there many times, but have never been to the parts of the city I would be in. Once again, I would help with a VBS and with kids who need the love of Christ. Plus, if I go to Dallas, I wouldn't have to fly, which I'm secretlt afraid of.
This is possibly one the hardest decision I have ever had to make. I want to not only go to the place where I'm supposed to go, but I want to go on the trip that will strengthen my relationship with Christ the most. I don't want my decision to just be based on the fact that I want to go to wherever I choose, but that I go where GOD wants me to go.
So, how do I make sure of that? I've been searching a lot and will continue searching my heart, my intentions, scripture, and guidance. In my search today, I came across a method for making Godly decisions. It's called the "Seven C's" method.


Here, I'll sum it up.

7 C's of decision making.

*Communication- Read God's word, seek him, and pray.
Scripture: Isaiah 30:21, James 1:5-6, 1 Peter 5:7

*Conviction- Too many times we think we are doing God's will, but in all actuality we're living out our own. Make sure it's "The Lord told me..." not "I told the Lord..."
Scripture: John 14:26 & 16:13, 1 John 2:27

*Common Sense- Don't turn frivolous situations into big ordeals. For example, there is no need to pray and seek God about what you are going to wear tomorrow.

*Composition- When God created you, he gave you specific skills, abilities, likes, and dislikes. Make sure whatever you choose your glorifying God with these things.
Scripture: Psalm 33:3, 1 Peter 4:18

*Counsel- It's important to get adivice from several mature Christan men or women, instead just one.
Scripture: Proverbs 11:14

*Circumstance- God opens and closes doors in order for his will to take place.
Scripture: Matthew 7:7, 2 Corinthians 2:11 and 11:14

*Control- Sometimes God takes complete control of our situations.
Scripture: Acts 16:6-10

I think this method is pretty neat, and is a great system of checks and balances.

As for my trip, I'm going to take a week and spend lots and lots of quiet time with God before I make any further decisions. With a little help of my friends and lots of scripture and prayer, hopefully I'll have my application in next Saturday.

I'm ready for all the challenges and changes this year is already bringing me!