Officially Launched and Currently Soaring
I have officially begun my journey on the World Race and I am currently writing to you from a rural town in the mountains of Honduras. Arriving late last Wednesday night, my team has been lavished with many unexpected blessings from the Lord. Whether that has been access to wifi, local kayaking, avocados, or a swing in the front yard, we are praising God for all the little things knowing we may not have them next month.
It is absolutely surreal that I have officially launched and this journey has begun. Last October, I was contemplating whether or not I should even apply for the Race and here I am one year later starting month one in Central America.
The Lord has been so sweet and gentle throughout this past year in affirming my pursuit towards the World Race when I sought out his voice and heart. This time last year I was so frustrated and lost when I thought about my plans after graduation. The logical decision seemed to only include applying for grad school or a job and embrace “adult life” like most people my age.
I remember thinking to myself that I never want to live an ordinary life.
There is nothing wrong with going outside the pattern of finishing college, earning your masters, applying for a good job, getting married, and having kids.
I’m a firm believer that if we give the Lord permission, he wants and will be more creative in writing the story of our lives.
A part of my story takes me back to last October when I was crying out to God for direction. I knew I wanted to take one year off and serve somewhere before I entered into grad school but I had no idea what that was supposed to look like when many other factors impacted that decision.
One evening my friends from Ekballo Project came to IWU to show their newest films about Gods heart for the Middle East through the eyes of Jesus filled missionaries. The event finished with a powerful time of worship and prayer. The Lord spoke a lot of much needed truth to my heart during worship. My heart shifted as my spirit freely surrendered and admitted that I would give up everything to follow Jesus. Following that revelation, I felt the Lord tell me to specifically go up to one of the team members for prayer. I went up to him and told him I felt God wanted to speak to me through him. Before he prayed for me I shared that I feel led to pursue missions this next year but I need more direction in what that is supposed to look like.
I did NOT mention anything about my desire/contemplation to apply for the World Race.
Immediately after quieting his heart and listening to the Fathers voice for me he said, “Ashley, I feel the Lord is saying that you aren’t just going to one place next year but you are going to many nations!”
Naturally, I uncontrollably started weeping and shaking as I got my direct confirmation to apply for the World Race.
My friend from the Ekballo Project continued to speak and say that the picture he got with that word was that he saw a bird flying straight up into the sky and then diving straight down and touching a nation as it lit up and then flying straight up into the sky again and diving head first into another nation as it lit up, over and over again.
That bird is me.
In this season I was destined to launch and soar repeatedly to nation after nation bringing the light of Jesus with me everywhere I go.
Most times I still feel very unequipped, unworthy, and the least qualified. But last week as my plane flew over the Honduran mountains and colorful city buildings, I couldn’t help but close my eyes, take a deep breath, embrace the big smile across my face, and fight back tears as the plane finally touched the ground while recalling that picture of the bird that was spoken over me just one year ago. Through many months of doubts and preparations, I have never felt more in line with the Fathers plan for my life than in that moment.
Whatever is to come, All is for His Kingdom and Glory
This month I consider myself so incredibly blessed to love on 22 beautiful adopted Honduran girls through The Eternal Family Project.
Explore these wonderful ministries through their websites
http://www.eternalfamilyproject.org/
More updates, stories, pictures, and prayer requests to come soon!
In His Love,
Ashley Livia
