World Race Launch pt. 1
Earlier today my family dropped me off in Washington, D.C. for my launch for the world race. The Lord has allowed me much grace the past few days as he has provided joy that I cant even begin to explain and a peace that surpasses anything I have ever experienced before. Goodbyes normally suck. I am not one that looks forward to parting ways, especially not with ones I love. However, this time was a bit different. Before the New Year the Lord really allowed me the opportunity to grieve the things that I was going to miss, the people I love and care for, and the events and changes taking place. Because of this, I have not been sad, I have not shed many tears, in fact, I have been so excited and thrilled to be part of something much bigger then myself.
I am not exactly sure what to write in this blog. There is so much I need to update everyone on. I suppose I should start by simply saying thank you to those of you who have made it possible for me to be able to be sitting in this hotel room in washington, DC! I am getting ready to embark on what I believe will be the most exciting and life impacting event of my life. The past few days I have had indescribable joy, as I have become more and more excited about leaving home for the opportunity to bring Gods kingdom to earth, to see people added into the body of Christ, and to see people dead in their sins and trespasses be given life in Christ.
I have been blown away by Gods provision the past few months. I know for many it has come out of great sacrifice that you have supported me in what God is calling me to. There is no insignificant amount given, some of you have been able to give more while others of you have given more then you have had to give. I am thankful for the 11 dollars as much as I am for the 1000, every penny is significant in impacting lives for Christ! My prayer is that I would honor you and what you have given, as I make much of Jesus to the nations. And that I would be able to use what you given to the Lord and entrusted to me wisely this next year. I hope to be able to keep you informed of all the wonderful things The Lord is doing, and at times probably not so wonderful things that are taking place. My desire is that you would be blessed through my updates and be able to see practically where and what you have invested into, images and stories of the lives impacted because of your faithfulness to the Lord. I appreciate your prayers and support as I venture out into the exciting unknown of where God is leading. Rest assured though, I do not go alone! The presence of The Lord is with me and where He is, is exactly where I wanna be.
This year will bring a lot of change. On friday my team, Ride Abide, and I will fly to Alajuelita, Costa Rica (can I just include that I don't even know how to pronounce that… And that I am soo thankful that my Heavenly Father speaks every language, because I certainly don't! But that the language of love can be communicated and understood no matter the spoken language or tongue…) We will be working with several other teams this month as we serve at our assigned ministry. My (very limited at this point) understanding is that we will be working at a food shelter 6 days a week and with a youth group and children's ministry on the weekends. When I first found this out, I was blown away at the sovereignty of God as many of you know how this could not be a more perfect first month for me with my background in restaurant and degree in youth ministry. I will be excited to inform you as I find out more!
I hope to be able to write a blog maybe during my travel time on Friday about some of the things The Lord has been teaching me and showing me over the course of the past few weeks. If I had to pick one word to describe what I believe it is The Lord is going to do this next year it would be "glory" which is defined as:
a : praise, honor, or distinction extended by common consent: renown
b : worshipful praise, honor, and thanksgiving <giving glory to God>
My hearts prayer is that I would learn to more greatly glorify God. That I would bring all glory to him. That he would be glorified in all things and through all things. And that his glory may be shared among the nations.
It is with much excitement and anticipation of what The Lord is going to do this next year that I sit and write this blog to you. Thank you for your prayers and support and for investing into the kingdom! I look forward to making much of Jesus this year and making much less of me.
Looking forward to writing again soon!
P.S.
To my parents who I absolutely love! Thank you for trusting me and encouraging me as I step out in faith and obedience to Lord's leading and directing in my life. I feel so honored and extremely blessed to have two parents who are willing to selflessly and sacrificially give up their daughter for a year in order to see the kingdom advanced. Thank you for entrusting me to the Lord many years ago. Know that I am praying for you and love you and look forward to talking with you this year and sharing all of my exciting adventures with you!
To my brother. I love you and I am proud of you. Thanks for coming today to say goodbye. Keep making the right decisions. I am praying that Christ would continue to reveal himself to you and that you would be able to get a taste of what life with Christ is truly about, not the life many people end up settling for. But rather a life that is filled with much power from the Holy Spirit! A life that is truly free and not in bondage, a life that has much joy and happiness and peace a life that is lived in constant growing intimate relationship with the one who gives life! I love you!
To my other brother. I am proud of you as well and the man you are becoming in Christ! I hate I wont be as close this year and unable to be your biggest fan at all of your football games, but I will do my best to still encourage and pick on you all the way from Asia. Love you!
Sent from my iPad
