For those of you who got my newsletter and are JUST wanting to see the wonderful video of when I got locked in my pantry for 4 hours, please scroll all the way to the bottom of this blog! If you want to read more details of WHY I was in the pantry to begin with, keep reading…
For those of you who have no idea what I am talking about, continue reading and you will soon find out…
I kid you not. Long story short, my roommates and I have two dogs and my dog was still a puppy and was quite possessive over his food. So, following Ceasar, the dog whisperer’s advice, I implemented a special routine with him every time I fed him. It was 7am this particular morning and since we kept our dog food in containers in the pantry, just like every other day, I went in and started to feed Tux. Our other dog Roxy started to run towards Tux’s food, so in an effort to keep Roxy away… I shut the door to the pantry and finished the routine with my dog. Little did I know that when I went to open the pantry door, I would find myself locked in, with my cell phone sitting just outside the door on the counter, and my roommates not getting home until 7pm. I tried all the “common sense” ways I knew to get out, the ‘card technique,’ checking if the hinges were on the inside, ninja kicking the door, bashing cans of beans against it, and last but not least, throwing my entire body against the door (even though I had no room to gain momentum, and after, it felt like I broke my shoulder). After fading in and out of laughing, crying, and a failed attempt to take a nap as a ‘calm down method,’ I gained motivation from thinking back to Shawshank Repemption. If he could do it, I could do it! After I had been in there for about two hours, I grabbed a vacuum cleaner plug and used it to unscrew the plate that goes around the door handle. I used the plate to make one tiny holes in the door. Once I made two holes, I used a wire and weaved a Ziplock bag through each hole and pulled, breaking the barrier between them, thus slowly creating a larger hole. Four hours in, and a few holes short of making the hole big enough for my hand to get through… my mom randomly came over to my house. She proceeded to open the pantry door, then shut me in again, and recorded a video for the whole Facebook world to see. SEE VIDEO BELOW
All of this is going somewhere, I promise…
That’s what I thought God was doing to me when He called me to stay in Sheridan when I returned from my first World Race trip two years ago. I saw it as God locking me in the pantry named Sheridan, WY, and I was going to have to scream, cry, and panic until I found my way out. HOWEVER, the past two years have been amazing, and I would be perfectly content staying right where I am. (I never thought I would be saying that about Sheridan!) I work for a Non-Profit Pregnancy Center in town and we serve individuals facing an unexpected pregnancy. I work with the most AMAZING people and being able to pour hope into the women and men that walk through our doors is extremely fulfilling. I have also been working with K-Life, a youth ministry focused on mentoring, coaching and discipling teenagers. During the school year I went to club weekly and led a high school girls small group. With that being said, two years ago, who knew that I would find myself with a restored view of my hometown and that being called to leave again would create in me an unexpected wave of sadness.
My exciting news…
IN JANUARY, I am going BACK on The World Race as a Squad Leader. As a squad leader, I will not being going on the whole 11 month journey. Myself and one or two other alumni will be leader a squad of appx 60 people. We will disciple them, figure out logistics, and set up ministry contacts in each country. We will lead for 5 months and then raise up leaders internally on the squad to finish the last 6 months. Then, I will return during months 8 and 11 for debriefing. My first World Race in 2012 was about my person journey, how God wanted to reveal dark places in my life. Now, I humbly receive His calling to empower others in their journey. I would be lying if I said I felt equipped, but that is precisely what humbles me. I am not perfect; I am self seeking, easily angered, and I am prideful. However, I also know that God’s victory is stronger than any flaw I have.
My goal is to raise $8,500 which is cover the 5 months on the field and month 8 and 11 debrief. I am pretty excited because one of my fundraisers I am going to sell shirts which are in the design process now! So be on the look out! I don’t know where I am going yet, and it’s KILLING ME! haha I am going to training camp in October and I am pretty sure I will find out then, but of course I will let you all know ASAP.
I will be sending newsletters every 2 or 3 months to keep you updated but as usual, I will be posting blogs on this site. I was extremely blessed by you all on my last trip, your comments, your emails, and now I can’t wait to take this journey with you again. If you are interested in getting my newsletters, which will different than my blogs, let me know and I will add your address to the list. : ) If you are interested in supporting me financially, feel free to contact me or hit the *DONATE* button on the left side bar under my photo. Last but not least, as always, I covet your prayers in this time of preparation.
Now…. WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW. : )
