Trekking in Georgia pt. 1: Backpacks & Burdens

Welcome to Georgia… the country!

This past month we were led to the Svaneti region, which is the mountainous northern region of Georgia. When we landed in Georgia, we landed with open hands and, like always, not sure what God had in store for us. During our time in Georgia, we were given the opportunity to be active in ATL (ask the Lord) and it applied in all areas. We were not given a specific host, city, task, place to stay, or anything. It was all up to the Lord to guide us.

As we sat in our hostel, prayed, and came before Jesus, we asked what He wanted us to do throughout the month. Our prayers aligned into a deeper community setting, trekking/backpacking in the mountains, and refinement.

Well… planning a two-week trek isn’t something you can just put together in two days. Right? God said otherwise!

Mary and Mary Grace showing the team our possible route and other possibilities only a day before heading out.

“Do you trust me?” the Lord asked us. So, we gave Him our “YES!” and prepared rather quickly.

Mary got a vision of us, a team of five, carrying only four backpacks. One person doesn’t carry anything. We are now carrying each other’s burdens, emotionally and physically. What a special way to be the body of Christ. We rotated and prayed daily allowing the Lord to reveal who wouldn’t carry a pack that day.

The world’s definition of a burden is this: a load, typically a heavy one. The main theme or gist of a speech, book, or argument. Duty, responsibility, or obligation. Something oppressive or worrisome.

After our first night camping, we sat before the Lord and prayed over who would carry which pack.

Carrying the burdens physically of my fellow teammates was a challenge. A good challenge. It pushed me to pray harder and deeper for my sisters. Carrying someone else’s pack was rather uncomfortable if I am completely honest.

This opportunity was also helpful for me to share the burdens I try to carry in my own strength. It encouraged me to open up even more and allow others to hold the heavy things on my heart. Man, it sure wasn’t easy!

One evening after a full day of hiking we all crammed into our two-person tent. In this time each of us shared our burdens and how we could come alongside one another and carry them. It was SO sweet! Vulnerability and bringing people in welcomes freedom.

Here is a little sneak peek into what you could find in my pack. Every single ounce counted!

During our time trekking and carrying backpacks that ranged from 45 to 50 pounds, the growth and unity that arose were things that were truly remarkable. We each learned that it can’t be and will never be in our own strength and power to carry someone else’s burdens fully. You have to invite the Lord into it. You have to lay down your own and your brother’s/sister’s burdens at the feet of Jesus.

For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down My [own] life so that I may take it back. No one takes it away from Me, but I lay it down voluntarily. I am authorized and have power to lay it down and to give it up, and I am authorized and have power to take it back. This command I have received from My Father.  John 10:17-18

First-day backpacking, from left, Mary Grace with her own pack, and Mary took up the challenge of carrying my pack.

We should be encouraged to be more like Jesus and to grow closer to His heart. Are we willing to lay down our lives? What are you holding onto that God is asking for you to surrender? What are your burdens? What is it that you’re carrying that is weighing you down?

My prayer for my team and for you is to give it all to the Holy Spirit. I asked myself during this time why it can be so hard to give the heavy things over? Why don’t I want to feel lighter? God can and will take the difficult things. Jesus has already washed the burdens away; He took them to the cross!

So, what burdens are you carrying?

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 Jesus, take my burdens. I surrender these things to you, Lord. Holy Spirit I pray that you surround me today and every day! Father, I lift up your children who are still carrying their burdens. I pray that they are able to hand the difficult things to you. Take away their pain, their heaviness, and the things that are no longer serving them. You, my God, convict our hearts but also pour out your love and comfort among us. You can have it all Jesus! You are all we want. We love you.

Stay tuned for my next blog about our trek in the Georgian mountains! The Lord’s provision over us was insane! God provided in ways we never expected, and He grew my faith in a deeper way.

with all my love,

PJ