Well it's been quite a while since my last post, and so much has happened I don't even know how to sum it up. But I can try! Here's a quick run down of what's been going on since November:
Nepal. What a whirlwind. The five Squad Leaders traveled to almost every team seeing so much of the gorgeous countryside. But it required about a week of time on buses when we added it all up.
just another day in Nepal
[photo by briana bollinger]
tenting it with team kingdom katalyst.
[photo by briana bollinger]
we took a flight to see mount everest!
we stayed pastor meg and his wonderful family.
some of the most wonderful people i've ever met.
[photo by briana bollinger]
crammed into yet another nepalese taxi with my three favorites!
[photo by briana bollinger]
Next Garrett and I flew with X Squad to Kenya and spent the week debriefing teams and working through some things within the squad. Then we boarded a plane, had a quick stop in Amsterdam, and before we knew it we were stateside.
we ended our time with X Squad with SEVEN baptisms!
As soon as we landed, the incredible staff at AIM welcomed us home and debriefed us over the last 4 months, releasing us and blessing us into our next seasons.
On to Texas where I got to see so many people I love and care for. It was also the first time being in America for the holidays in two years, so I was like a little kid, stuffing my face at Thanksgiving and putting every ornament I could find on our tree.
All the way back in India I felt the Lord calling me to go to IHOP for a week when I got home. So I did. I spent a week in Kansas City processing the last two and a half years and simply sitting with the Lord. It was much needed for my spirit and was worth every second of the 12 hour drive there and back.
Back over to Georgia where I spent 3 weeks with sweet friends and participating in a program called Searchlight. It's been absolutely incredible getting to just hang out with World Race family and be around people who love me oh-so-well. I've gotten to catch up with so many K Squaders and S Squaders, and am super thankful that I was able to go down for so long.
so many Aggies at Project Searchlight!
Throughout the last few weeks, I've felt the Lord pressing new and fresh ideas into my heart. Because of stuff going on out on the field, I'm still battling like crazy for X Squad, but the Lord has been releasing me and even encouraging me to step into the next season. I've clearly heard Him speaking about worship and He has developed a passion in my spirit for it unlike any other. So I've started pursuing outlets for that, including applying to be a part of The 18 Inch Journey this summer. Normally I'd wait until I was accepted before sharing that I applied for something like this, but in this case I think simply applying is worthy of sharing. I don't know where the Lord is leading me in this, but I'm actively pursuing ways to learn and glean from those I know that do it well. So, Lord willing, I will be in North Carolina this summer, pressing deeper and deeper into Him. But until then…
I'll be back in Georgia, folks.
After countless conversations with the Lord, I have decided to come on staff with Adventures in Missions, but this time, I'll be stateside. The Lord has allowed me to step out onto the field time and time again and I would have never been able to do any of that without the service and sacrifice of the staff in the AIM office. These men and women are working long days and nights to equip thousands of people to go out into the Earth. They fight hard for the ones out on the field in prayer, in support, and in what they've committed to do in the office. It's truly an honor to be able to serve them in the next few months. I have committed to work from February through May and will be living in Gainesville, GA during that time.
One of the things I love about Adventures in Missions is that fact that they are a support-raising culture. Because they want to keep costs and expenses for participants as low as possible, everyone on staff raises the majority of their salary. That includes me now. So for the next 4 months, I’m looking for people to partner with me as I serve with an organization I wholeheartedly believe in. This is a different role for me, but still powerfully effective in making a difference in this world and sending people to the nations. My goal for this season is to raise $4000 by March 1st. It will cover living expenses for the time I'm in Georgia and it will also allow me to fly out for X Squad’s month 8 debrief in Thailand around mid-March.
If your interested in partnering with me, click the "contact me" link to the left — I'd love to talk to you more about it. Or if you're ready for making a one-time or monthly donations, just click here.
There are absolutely no words to express the gratitude in my heart my your continued prayers and support in this last season. The Lord has blessed me in incredible ways with the love that's been poured over me through you. Thank you, thank you, thank you for walking with me for so long throughout this crazy adventure.
And even though I'm in America, it's time for the next crazy adventure!
