“You asked for it…”
These were the words a good friend/mentor whispered in my ear Sunday evening as I stood singing “Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders, let me walk upon the waters wherever you would call me.”
As I sit here typing my first of many posts that will be read on this page, I can’t help but be overwhelmed. I am overwhelmed with joy, excitement, the unknown, and most of all overwhelmed because I don’t know that there are words to express exactly how I feel.
I get a bit scatter-brained with my thoughts (you will get used to this). Perhaps this is a gift, because I know some of you other scatter-brained folks will follow along. 🙂
Where to begin?
About 9 months ago, God begin pulling at my heart in ways that I didn’t expect. He began creating in me this new desire for adventure–a new way of living life. As one of my favorite people, Bob Goff, would put it…I began seeking a life of ‘whimsy’ and reckless abandonment for Christ. I didn’t know what that looked like, but I knew something in me was not satisfied. My craving for simplicity grew, and with it a new heart of compassion was formed. I had heard about this World Race thing from a friend months ago and instantly became interested. It was one of those “that’s cool for you, and I would love to do that but won’t actually pursue it” kinds-of interested. God began opening many doors for me to potentially do missions overseas, all of which I closed because it wasn’t the right time. Well, I have learned that God doesn’t abide by my time frame. If you say “Here I am, Lord, send me”…He listens.
This past February, after some life changes, I had the “random” desire to look into the World Race again. That next morning, I began doing some research. I thought to myself…who even knows if I will get accepted, so here goes nothing! I applied. Quickly after, I scheduled an interview and 3 weeks later I got the call that will change my life forever.
My feet are just now touching the ground again, and things are becoming very real to me. It is becoming real that I will miss many holidays, I will miss a year of school, I will not sleep in a bed for 9 months and that I need to raise $6,000 in 4 weeks along with another $6,000 by August. A man I look up to very much, Dr. Bobo (my professor/mentor/bow-tie wearing super hero), repeatedly tells me “Kristen, God’s pockets are deep.” Nerves have turned into peace. God is faithful, and if I actually believe that then I can’t sit around making myself sick over how everything will fall into place.
I am so excited to begin this adventure. It doesn’t begin when I step on the plane for Central America, it began the second I pushed “submit” on my application.
As I go about writing my support letters and begin my fundraising process, I above all else plead and covet your prayers. The support I have already received from loved ones and strangers is incredible and so encouraging. None of this is about me, but all about Him.
I can’t begin to imagine how much this will change me, wreck me and grow me. Am I going to miss my family, friends, loved ones, community, states, comfort, QT and chocolate-chip cookie dough? Absolutely. There are days when I actually dread leaving, but then I remember those words whispered in me ear…”You asked for it.”
“I used to think you had to be special for God to use you, but now I know you simply need to say yes.” -Bob Goff, Love Does
*I plan to blog as much as possible and keep you all updated on this journey. If you feel called or are interested in supporting my trip, they make it super easy! You can actually click on the tab that says “Support me” and donate there. Subscribe, follow along, do whatever! You all are wonderful. Hang on tight, it will be a crazy ride!
With so much love,
-Kristen
