I have been home from the World Race for 70 days and I leave for Georgia in 45 days. I am thankful for friends who have continually asked me how I am doing in this transition. In the fast pace culture we live in it is an honor and a golden blessing to have a strong community and support system. ‘How I am’ has been really challenging to describe. Most of my culture shock seemed to happen upon arrival in Sofia, Bulgaria as we transitioned out of our time in Africa. Returning to America did have it’s shocking moments, but it was relatively smooth. I think a lot of that had to do with a challenge by an Adventures in Missions staff member towards the end of the race. She challenged me to pray for God to be gentle in my transition home. This prayer brought a lot of really cool perspectives and opportunities for me to see His goodness play out in my life.
About two weeks into my time at home I accepted a support raising position in the Fellowship program with Adventures in Missions (starting in mid-March). I then grew very fearful, as doubts about finances and fundraising crept in. What about the money I owe on my loans? What about the fact that I have made $0 in the last year. What are people going to think about me asking for money again after just raising over $16,000? Very real questions, yes. There is a phrase: God qualifies the called. God has called me to long term international missions, building a nonprofit to provide orphan and village care. He may call you to be a teacher, a doctor, a designer, a stay at home mom, an entrepreneur, a pastor. This is a long term calling. To get there, we need to take several steps. Every day is a step. There are encounters and tasks we have every day that will allow us to grow. That is how God works, every day, ordinary moments. Not all steps are going to be big steps – like the World Race, a new job, or relationships.
I’m not going to lie, some days I don’t take steps. Some days I don’t even think about steps. I sit and close my eyes and choose comfort. I choose not to talk to the person sitting next to me at church, or smile at the lady who is stressed out at the bank, or hold the door for the business man on his cell phone talking at an American volume at Starbucks. But I am thankful that I don’t have a one chance God. I have a God whose grace and mercies are new every morning. A God who kneels down beside me and gently reminds me of who I am – deeply loved – and what my purpose is – to be deeply loved – and He allows me to shake off the loud world around me, stand up, and take a step.
My next big step is moving to Georgia. I am confident that the Lord has laid this stepping stone before me. His provisions are reliable, all He asks is to step with obedience and trust. His faithfulness is really so evident. He told me to surrender my worries about money. In the last 5 weeks I have these short term opportunities laid at my feet: substitute teaching, dog sitting , nannying, cleaning at my church, worship leading, photoshoots, babysitting, house cleaning, driving kids to practice/lessons, and house sitting. God is good, y’all (… I’ve been studying for my move south)!
By March 1st, I need to have $3000 (out of $9,950) in my support account. That means that in 26 days I need to have $2,600 raised. I am believing this will happen. I would be so grateful if you considered donating. All donations are tax-deductible and can be donated online or by mail. To donate online click the ‘support me’ link at the top of the page. For donations by mail, please make checks payable to ‘Adventures in Missions’ with ‘Shelby Sawyers’ in the memo line (mail to: Adventures in Missions // P.O. Box 742570 // Atlanta, GA 30374 )
With Love,
Shelby
