As I sit here on the plane worrying about my aromatic smells from 11 days of bucket showers, sweat, dirt, beans, and tears from every emotion, I can only smile. Smile about all the friendships created, laughs we shared and the growing that has begun to sprout. Training camp brought on challenges physically, emotionally and most importantly spiritually.
I was stretched on living from a pack, sleeping in a tent or under the stars with no running water and braving the elements. My stomach was introduced to some ethnic cuisine getting protein from crickets and substance from rice. My days filled with lessons equipping me to evangelize and disciple God’s children for not only this next year, but also the rest of my life. I used the worship to connect with God and developed more personal prayer and reliance on my Father in Heaven. My great time of training was laced together with great team unity creating bonds that will last a lifetime.
V Squad!
During this 11 day stretch I got a little taste of what abandonment is going to look like come August. It hit me; I am truly giving up and letting God take over my life completely for the next year. I am going to have limited access to my community and comforts I currently enjoy and have access to including coffee. However, in return I am going to surrender to God’s calling and embrace the people around me and strive to be intentional on who God puts in my path. I have been in denial about staying connected to my life here in good ole Michigan telling myself I will be able to talk with friends and family lots, and strategizing on ways to access Facebook and Instagram while abroad. Connecting to others on social media is getting easier and more accessible everyday but realized that is not necessarily a good thing all the time. Yes, I am going to stay connected and keep in contact with my friends, family and supporters however; I want to be totally present on my mission, my team and community I am sharing my life with while out on the field. I don’t want my time to be consumed with finding wifi and trying to keep up with everything happening “at home” when I could be sharing my story with a local I meet at a coffee shop, crying with a teammate that is struggling, playing with a kid on the street or praying with my host. This trip is a time I can take to be completely committed to God and grow in ways I cannot even image yet.
I am striving to be a disciple…a disciple that drops the fishing pole, my livelihood, to follow Jesus with no hesitation.”Come follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. -Matthew 4:18-22
Healthy goals I have set for myself:
-one blog post a week
-one picture or video update a week
-set time frame for calls/messaging each week
-1st six weeks of trip going on a social media fast to break my addiction and set myself up for the rest of the trip
I am VERY excited for a hot shower tonight; nevertheless, I am even more excited to launch and feel more equipped for the rest of my life serving my Father in Heaven. I am learning “home” is a relative term and ready to give up my comforts for the Kingdom’s growth.
Introducing my Team: Soul Spark
