My oh my, do we have so much to catch up on!
2016 is been anything but boring…
But before we get started on this year, lets back up a bit and start in August 2015. In just one month, three major parts of my life changed. First, I got a promotion at work and was named the Mobilization Manager. Second, I moved into a house full of some incredible co-workers. Third, a handsome man asked me out on a date! Typically people try to space out major life events, but clearly I thought I needed to spice everything up at once.
2016 started off GREAT! My job was keeping me on my toes, but I felt like I was growing a lot. My roomies quickly became family and best friends. And that guy that asked me out… well I was falling in LOVE with him.
In March I had the privilege of getting out of the office and seeing the mission field first hand again by helping with a couple Parent Vision Trips!
My first stop was Guatemala! It had been almost two years to the date since I had left. And the moment I stepped foot in that Spanish speaking airport, I felt at home. I got to sleep in my old home, eat at some of my favorite restaurants, and see some of my old friends. The Lord used this time to refresh my soul and bring healing where things were left incomplete.
The trip with the parents was incredible as well! After mobilizing both the racers and the parents, it was so great to see the two generations collide and partner together to bring His kingdom. We played with kids, loved on widows, prayed for those in need, and had way too much fun! Honestly, I don’t know if I had more fun with the parents or the Racers. I loved catching up with my participants I hadn’t seen in months. And I loved gaining wisdom from those that have walked more years than me!
My next stop was Thailand for another Parent Vision Trip! Thailand is one of my favorite places on the earth and V squad is one of favorite squads so I couldn’t wait for this trip. And the anticipation didn’t disappoint. Ministry was phenomenal and conversations with the parents and racers were even better. I loved hearing how much the racers had grown and seeing them do ministry with their parents. It truly is a beautiful sight and I pray one day I can experience something like this with my own kids. One of the highlights was Easter morning when everyone circled a pool for worship and baptisms. It brought tears to my eyes to see families be restored and parents baptize their children!
Only three days after I returned to the States, that man I was falling in love with asked me to be his WIFE! I said YES!
At this point, my life seemed to be in fast forward! The next three months truly seem like a blur! Drew (my now husband) got a new job that expedited our engagement season. With this job, we spent most of our engagement season apart which didn’t make things any easier. All the while I tried to catch up on my life, plan a wedding, mobilize a new squad, and just breathe. To say this was a hard season is an understatement, but the Lord and all my incredible friends helped me get through it!
On July 17th, Drew and I tied the knot with close to 200 in attendance! It seriously was the best day of my life!
Now we are happily married and trying to figure out what this whole husband/ wife thing looks like! I feel like I fail daily, but I am constantly reminded that there is no such thing as a perfect marriage or a perfect wife.
At the end of the year, we are stepping out in faith and heading out west to LOS ANGELES! To say I haven’t cried a lot about this would be a lie. I am beyond grateful for this incredible opportunity, but I am already grieving the loss of my friends, my family, my bible study of 2+ years, the late night pillow talks with roommates, tiring hours of training camp, knowing people almost everywhere I go, my great co-workers, and so much more.
I have to admit, my job is a HUGE BLESSING. In the midst of all the transitions, hard days, and unknowns, they have been so supportive. This job gives me experiences some only dream of and friends that will last a lifetime. Adventures in Missions is not just an organization I work for, it’s a family!
Over the past few months and through many conversations, my boss said I can keep my job and work remotely as we figure things out- PRAISES!!! But with that, I need to raise $2000 in the next few months. This is where I need your continued help. If you feel led to give, please click on the Support Me!!! tab on the left side of this page. All donations are tax deductible and would be greatly appreciated as Drew and I take this next leap of faith!
