Though the seasons change, your love remains
The past two summers have held significance in my heart and memory.
June + July 2014
// I traveled to Brighton, England, to study abroad for my last term of university. It had been a dream of mine for several years to study abroad, but had assumed it was out of reach.
// I met a group of believers who quickly welcomed me into their lives and summer. I cherish the moments, adventures, laughs & quality time dearly.
// I was there only 4.5 weeks, but those weeks will be forever engraved in my heart and memory. It will remain one of my favorite adventures of my time.
// I found a home with my new friends I was sad to leave.
June + July 2015
// After living in Redding, CA, for nearly a year, I spent weeks in my previous home in WA.
// I spent my days to helping at VBS, youth camp, and a firework stand.
// I learned more of what home and belonging are to me.
// I discovered it’s possible to have two places I can call home.
June + July 2016
Today marks 168 days after leaving Atlanta, Georgia.
Here I sit in a coffee shop in Kyrgyzstan on a rest day.
It’s hard to believe I ventured to England 2 years ago. Where has time gone?
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The first 5 months of this journey have not been marked by joy or excitement for me.
They have been marked by struggle. Change has been constant & stability has not been present. I have believed lies. I have been hurt. I have not felt heard. I have felt hopeless. I have been discouraged.
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+ My last blog post I titled “Don’t be afraid of the mess”. Ironically I have been afraid of the mess. I don’t feel safe exposing my mess to others, and even after I find trustworthy friends to confide in, it’s usually after months of getting to know each other.
All this to say- I reached out to my community praying for me back home. The ones I have found to be trustworthy. I asked for prayer, where I did not feel safe to ask my team. This was the day before we left Kazakhstan.
Upon arriving to Kyrgyzstan, a shift happened.
I didn’t realize or notice the shift for a few days. I noticed I was laughing more. I wasn’t focused on the difficulty of the past month. I was not feeling discouraged. I felt a sense of stability. [Knowing we are here 3 weeks and have a consistent schedule]
So thank you.
Thank you for praying.
Thank you for sticking with me through my whining and discouragement.
Thank you for encouraging me; that this season is not my forever.
I feel Papa telling me this is a new season. To move forward.
I can’t explain the shift and why now.
// Though the seasons change, Papa, your love remains.
// This is a step in my journey. This is not where I will remain. I have had to walk through places [dark places, uncomfortable places] to get where Papa intends for me to be.
Lord, you’ve been faithful to plant the seed
You will be faithful to always send your rain
Though the seasons change
Your love remains
Thank you Papa. Thank you for reminding me of the past two summers. You have revealed your love to me in new ways and I believe you are doing it again this summer.
It’s not a coincidence I am feeling this is a new season.
I believe you’re reminding me of what you’ve taught me before in order to dump your love on me afresh.
You’re taking me by the hand again
You’re giving me strength to dance again
Your love changes everything
Your love changes everything
Papa dump his love on YOU afresh this summer.
May he remind you of what he’s taught you before. That he would bring a shift to your world solely because He loves you extravagantly and wants to bring laughter.
May you find yourself cracking up at the silliest things, because Papa is bringing joy once again.
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Lyrics from two songs above
Seasons Change [United Pursuit]
Your Love Changes Everything [United Pursuit]
