Top 5 things about May:
5. Watching the Miami Heat playoff run.
I have been on the missions’ field for the better part of the last 2 years and, as an avid sports fan, I’ve had to sacrifice watching some of my favorite teams. However, with the Heat I have been able to enjoy all of their championships while being in Miami. In 2012, I had just returned from World Race training camp to watch the Heat beat the Thunder. In 2013, I had just returned from the World Race to watch the Heat beat the Spurs. In 2014, I have just returned from Guatemala to watch the Heat play the Spurs. Will they win? I don’t know, but it has been nice to be able to enjoy the ride.
4. Pouring out to my community.
One thing I’m always excited about when I return to Miami is to share the stories and lessons I have experienced on the field. Calvary Fellowship in Miramar FL has been my home church for the last 7 years. While partnering with me financially, they have also given me opportunities to share with college groups, youth groups, and small groups. One of my passions is speaking life into the “dry” places in people. Being a missionary has given me a platform to be able to walk out this passion with my church community.
3. Building a support team.
Fundraising is probably the least enjoyable part for most missionaries. The main reason I’m currently stateside is raising monthly donors to be able to walk out my life as full-time missionary in Guatemala. The Lord has asked me not ask for money but instead to make my petition known and allow him to move the hearts of the people to join me on this journey. I have seen the Lord move in incredible ways in this time through support team raising. At this moment, I am not yet at the goal to return to Guatemala but I am over halfway there. He truly has been faithful and I am excited to walk out this new relationship with my supporters.
2. Reconnecting with friends and family.
It is not easy to miss out on birthdays, weddings, and general hangout time with people back home when you’re traveling. Being able to come back and share impactful stories with one another is such a pleasure. It is amazing how some relationships pick up as if no time passed, even if we haven’t spoken in years. Also, its great to see how being separated increases the appreciation you have for those around you. What an honor to see the Lord increasing my family with babies all around me. Getting to meet the next generation of family is so cool.
- I’m an uncle!
My little sister had a baby girl, Ava. When I heard that she had been born, I was filled with a giddiness and love that seemed supernatural. I am excited for my sister as she steps into motherhood and my parents as they step into grandparenthood. Although I have not seen her yet, I’m excited to hold her in my hands and declare life over her.
May has been a month of old and new. I miss being with my Guatemala family, but its been a blessing to be here for this season to be home.
June is going be an extension of May with continued time with family and friends. I am expected to meet baby Ava at the end of the month, also hoping to see my old squadmates from G squad, and start the process of returning home Guatemala in July.
Prayer Request:
- Pray for my process to return to Guatemala- I expect this to be seamless, but I hope to return ASAP. This includes support raising, paperwork, and purchasing a flight.
- Meeting with pastors from Cuba to discuss a vision trip in November. This can potentially speak into what my future ministry looks like.
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