Month nine of eleven is coming to a close. I can hardly believe we are about to enter month ten. The past nine months have gone by quickly, yet at the same time China seems like a lifetime ago. Life before the race seems even more distant. I remember fall of 2012 sitting in my apartment with my roommate Morgan, reading blog after blog and wondering if the race was what God was calling me to after graduation. Everyone always wants to know what's next after college graduation, and they ask about it often. As an education major you would think it'd be an easy answer, but clearly God had different plans in mind for me. As soon as graduation came and the race drew closer and closer, I began to get the same question of "What's next?" Before I even left American soil everyone seemed to want to know what I would be doing when I returned. I guess I can understand, because part of me wanted to know too. Would I be teaching, subbing, working with a church, going on another mission trip, serving long term somewhere overseas? I decided to leave it up to the Lord and his timing to reveal the answer to me.
Well friends, time has passed and the Lord has done a great number on my heart. In his perfect timing, God has revealed to me what is next.
During our month eight debrief I called out to God. I told him that I wanted some things from him. I wanted a deeper understanding of his Spirit, a deeper knowledge of his Word, and spiritual mentorship. I also expressed to God my desire for direction. This year has been a process of further understanding my passions, gifts, strengths and how God wants me to use those things for his kingdom. But how do they all fit together? This question left me clueless. The next day I went to a Q&A meeting for two programs called Center for Global Action (CGA) and G42. I knew next to nothing about either program so I decided to go just to check it out. As the G42 representative spoke, my mouth may have hit the floor. His explanation of G42 was all too similar to my cry to God the night before to be mere coincidence. I struggled with this for a few days. Was God calling me to go to G42?
Now you're probably wondering "What in the world is G42?" Let me try to explain. G42 is all about raising up the 42nd generation. But that's too complicated to thoroughly explain on a blog post, so click here for more on that http://www.g42leadershipacademy.org/about/what-is-g42. This leadership academy focuses on four things: discipleship-growing in God, koinonea- authentic community, freedom- God's creativity unleashed, and dominion- God with shoes on. For six months the interns are immersed in a community of sold-out-for-Jesus professors and mentors, roommates and friends. Together they study God's word and allow space for God's creativity to flow. Passions are ignited, freedom is unleashed, and God's people are sent out to the nations to bring Heaven to Earth. G42's vision statement is this,
"The 42nd generation is a network of Christ-followers with the mission to plant churches, businesses, & ministries to spread the Kingdom of God around the world—to inspire and develop leaders who are passionate about giving their lives to the Message of Christ."
I am thrilled to announce that I will soon become a part of that community. I will be joining the 42nd generation this coming October. After spending some time with the Lord discussing it, God confirmed to me over and over again that this program was always what he had intended for me to do after the race. I am so grateful for a God that knows my heart and provides for me. He is just so. dang. good.
An unexpected bonus of this academy is the location. Sitting tucked away in the peace of the mountains and surrounded by over 100 different nationalities, Mijas, Spain is home to G42. I've never really had a desire to visit Spain, so to be honest this didn't play a part in my decision making process whatsoever. In fact, staying stateside was more on my radar for at least the year or so following re-entry. But as always, God's plans are bigger than mine. Now I will only be home for two months before packing up and leaving again.
So why am I writing a blog about this? For a few reasons. You, my faithful supporters, have been incredible. The least I can do is keep you updated on what the Lord has been revealing to me while on the field. This blog post also serves as an update to my wonderful friends and family to know what is next. The third reason I am writing this though, is to reach out for partners. I am looking for a small community of partners; people who believe in me, believe in how the Lord has gifted me, and believe in God's desire to love people through me. I am looking for people who will commit to praying for and supporting me while I am attending G42. My desire for this community of partners is the ability to keep in touch at least monthly, to have open communication, and to be continuously updated on the vision the Lord has cast for me and my future. The financial aspect of this academy includes housing, transportation, admission and class fees, meals, and supplies; about $1,215 per month for the six month duration. If you have any interest in becoming part of this partnership with me I would love for you to pray about it, seek God's will on it, and then contact me. Please do not hesitate to ask questions.
With month nine's loose ends being tied up, we head out to Africa on the 31st. While in Swaziland for month ten we will not have easy access to internet. During that time if you feel inclined to support me financially you may do so through PayPal here http://www.g42leadershipacademy.org/donate. Click the Donation tab, follow the given directions from there, and be sure to include my name. Thank you in advance to my future partners. I am so excited for what the future holds and what God has in store for this partnership! Also, another big thank you goes out to my supporters for the race. You have no idea the impact you have left on my life and the lives of those who have been touched during this year through the race. I am forever grateful!
With all my love,
Kara
