I am still a little shocked that 2010 is already here. I will have to say that 2009 was an amazing year for me personally. I started 2009 with the Youth of Immanuel Baptist Church at a Lock-In and I ended the year with my World Race family at a hostel in Kenya. I look back on many events that have shaped my life this past year but more importantly I look forward to seeing what 2010 is going to bring.
Last year was a year of growth for me. I was beginning to discover who I was as a woman of God. I learned a lot about faith and depending on God. I had to learn to focus on God and what He wanted for me because I was so used to doing what Ashlee wanted instead of what God had planned for me.
In March, I finally stopped doing things my way and obeyed God. I applied for the World Race and was accepted. It was very hard to leave home, family, my church, the youth I was working with, and my comfort zone.
I knew, without any doubt, this is what God was calling me to do. I attended training camp at the end of May and it was an amazing, life-changing week for me. It was the beginning of me realizing I was settling instead of going after the greater things of God.
In August, I left everything behind to begin a journey that would challenge and change me. I was not sure what to expect but I knew it was where God wanted me.
September was a great month for me. I enjoyed our ministry and I really started seeking more of God in my life this month. I was hungry for more of Him and I desired a more personal relationship with Him.
October may have been the hardest month for me so far. I was dealing with brokenness and God was really shaping me into who He had called me to be.
November was a month of being still for me and that was hard but good. I really learned to invest in my team this month. I was being challenged not to go this entire trip and not invest in my family God has provided me with.
December was a refreshing month. The team we were serving with really poured into my life and was very encouraging to me. I left Turkey with an excitement and ready to start the new year refreshed and ready.
I arrived in Africa with a joy in my heart and something stirring inside of me. I love being here and I really have a heart for the people here.
Pastor Ezekiel gave me a great compliment and I want to share it with you. He told the group “She is a woman of great FAITH”! I was very honored to hear that.
I want to Thank God for all He has done in me and through me in 2009. I am expecting Great things to come for 2010.
