Hello everyone!!
I just wanted to send you all an update about what’s been going on lately.
But first I want to apologize for the tardiness of this update. Things have been shifting and changing so rapidly and any information I had was subject to change daily. I hope this will bring some clarity and give you a clear picture.
Its been a few months now since Covid hit and we all were put under quarantine. There have been many ups and downs(some might so it’s only been down), a lot of waiting, and hope for the current state of the world to lift and go back to something that feels normal. Where now living in a period of history that is changing the world and our lives as we know it. It’s hard to know this will play out and, truth be told, I’m tired of guessing. It is what it is and we are where we are for better or for worse. That being said, here’s what’s up.
Squad Leading: I came off the field this past March for leading my second squad of World Racers. I spent 5 months leading 5th Generation Z-squad in Peru, Argentina, And West Africa( Togo and Ghana, respectively). Very shortly after I returned to the states my squad, along with over 500 missionaries that were on the field with A.I.M. (World Race, WR Gap year, Global U, and other long term missionaries) came home. The world closed its borders to stem the tide of the growing pandemic. For a while, I had no idea what the future was going to hold. After much prayer and consideration of A.I.M. leadership, it was decided that my squad, nor any of the other squads that left the field would return indefinitely. This means that I will not be returning to the field for any debriefs for the remainder of the year and I am no longer raise friends for that season. It was a whirlwind of events that took place and came to a very abrupt end. It is with great sadness to see this season of my life come to a close in such a polarizing and uncertain way. But as it stands, it’s finished.
Current Events: Since April 21st, I have been living in Westminster Colorado. I am living with my friends and mentors Mike and Charlene Benson. I had the pleasure and privilege of being on the leadership team with them on both squads that I have led.
I am employed at Amazon working in a loading warehouse that delivers products to customers. I have been there for a couple of months now and am working towards some financial goals ( one of them being to FINALLY finish up my student loans).
In my downtime, I have been taking advantage of the Colorado summer. Hiking as many trails as I can find the energy to do. I have now six fourteeners! Which means I’ve hiked six mountains that summit above 14,000 feet. Four of them happened in one day. I have been getting into mountain biking( I only wish I would have found a way to do it sooner) and have already crashed a few times. I have been with connecting old friends and Race alumni in the area hoping to build some community since churches in the area have been close and will be for the foreseeable future. Overall, Colorado is my jam. I have enjoyed it out here and the view of the mountains every day never ceases to amaze me.
Last month, I was able to attend a reunion for O-squad( the First squad that I lead) Here in Colorado. It was two weeks of catching up and reconnecting talking about how we can continue to do life together, even if we aren’t in the same state…or even continent. They are a very special group of people and I love them dearly. It was such a sweet time to be with them again.
Lastly, I am in the middle of a 40 day Daniel Fast. If you don’t know what that it is, my current diet reflects that fast of Daniel 10. No processed sugar, additives or preservatives, meat, eggs, or dairy of any kind. This also means no coffee( I went through withdrawals the first day…). It’s not nearly as intensive as the fast in the scripture but, personally, it comes close. The purpose is to dream with the Lord and find out what dreams we have that he is calling us to pursue and pursue it with him. O-squad wanted to do it fast together as part of a commitment to one another as the body of Christ.
The Future: As for what the future holds. I will let you know very soon. The Lord has opened up a door that I wasn’t at all expecting. I can’t tell you quite yet but until then I would ask you for prayer. For Wisdom and discernment about the next steps. I can’t wait to share it with you in my next update.
To finish up, I want to say how thankful I am to have you all on this journey with me the last few years it has been a tremendous blessing to know I have a team in my corner who believe in me and what I am doing. Whether your support is financial or through prayer it means the world to me. There is so much more to come and I hope you’ll join me as I go. I love you all and thank you again.
Peace, and many many blessings
Alex.
