As Americans, We are tought to live the American Dream. We are to do well in school which in return will get us into a good college. Make sure you go to college! If your lucky you got a scholarship or maybe your parents had a college fund for you. Or maybe college means working full time to pay for college along with all your other bills. Make sure you struggle in finding the balance between working enough to have things paid but enough time off to study for those classes your taking. Once you have finished college, get a job in that field. Get married. Have kids. Work 9-5 Mon-Fri, have a nice house, car, and a picture perfect family. This is what we strive for is it not? I personally skipped the college part and just hope the right door will open in the right company where I can work hard and climb the corporate ladder. Get to the top, make as much money as possible and get that house on a lake with a wrap around porch, a private dock, my own boat and a jet ski. Fall madly in love with the man of my dreams and have lots of adorable little babies. Thats my dream. Thats what I want. I'm 27 and have none of it. God has another plan for me. And now that I see part of this plan, I know understand why I'm a server, single, childless, and living in an apartment.
"Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those you have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts, take no bag for the journey, or extra turnic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep."
Matthew 10:6-10
God calls us to leave everything behind, leave the comfort of our homes and Go to the lost sheep. We are to heal the sick, raise the dead, drive out demons! We aren't "called" to have a 9-5. We aren't "called" to get as wealthy as we possibly can. We aren't "called" to have the biggest house, the nicest car or the most well put together family. Are those things wrong? No way, not at all. Do I still want some of those things? Well of course. Difference now is I don't strive for those things.I don't need the "best" of everything. I refuse to measure my success or define who I am with those things. I am a daughter of God and I now have A Changed Dream! My desires are to be broken, softened, and molded into the woman God wants me to be. I want my heart to hurt for those in need, for those less fortunate, for the sick, the hopeless, the unloveable. I want to see the world through GODS eyes. I want to be Jesus' hands and feet!
These 11 months are only the begining of my journey. Some people have questioned me…wondering why I'm "putting my life on hold", why am I leaving behind my responsibilities, my belongings, my family, my friends, my life as I know it. My question to you is Why wouldn't I??? God has called me to this, why would I not listen? My life isn't being "put on hold" In fact, this is a growth period for me. This is me really living life! This is me living life as God wants, sharing his love with others. As far as responsibilities, If you ask me God has had this planned for awhile! Its funny how for the longest time I was so frustrated at where I am in my life but now I see that its because of this journey that my life is where it is. I'm single so I don't have to leave a husband/boyfriend behind and have part of my head and heart back home. I'm childless because God knows I wouldn't leave my kids behind for 11 months. I'm a server because I don't have to worry about leaving a "career" behind. I work at the place I do because my Manager is awesome, supportive, and he's going to be sure I have a job when I return. I live in an appartment so my lease could be up in January and I leave in January so I don't have to worry about bills. This is God's timing!
As far as leaving behind my belongings… People are so used to defining themselves by what they wear, how they look, and what they have. I'm ready to live a life of abandonment. I'm ready to have my life in a 65 liter backpack. Is it going to be easy? No. And I think I'm going to realize how hard it really is as I start to pack haha. But its a lesson learned. "Things" aren't what make us. The only treasures that matter are the one awaiting in heaven. I'm ok with leaving behind steak and potatoes, lucky charms, and all the other tasty foods I love. Bring on the undistinguishable foods!! I had guests a few weeks back at work get so mad that their appitizer took 15 minutes. Mind you, I told them it would take awhile and brought them salad and breadsticks to hold them over. They complained to a manager about it!!! It discusts me how us Americans can complain so much about food and it "taking 15 minutes too long" when there are children who have to walk miles and wait days just to eat whatever they can find. And they are happy to have anything at all!! I can't wait to stop serving selfish, demanding people and start giving food to those who really deserve it and appreciate it!
As far as family and friends being left behind for 11 months. I really think this is something God has been working on me the past year and a half when I moved to GA. At first I went back to FL every couple months but slowly I've been able to stay away longer and not be homesick. Not that I don't miss my family and friends, because I do very much. But I've realized its not how close you live to each other that matters, its the relationship itself. 500 miles can't seperate hearts 🙂 Plus come on guys….we've got Facebook, Skype, and my blog!! haha 🙂
So the point of this blog is to share with you I have a changed dream. I will no longer define my life by my success but really live to follow through with God's calling. I am so excited for this journey! Its going to be all around awesome! I thank God for using The World Race as my mission field. My question to you is….Where is your mission field??? It may be in your own town, within the states, or another country. I ask you to pray, listen to God and see where he is calling you to. God calls us all….our journey's just may be differnt. This is my journey, thank you for following along and thank you all for your support!!!
