Here I sit. Currently in my eighth country and eighth month of the world race. I have just about three months left on this insane journey. This journey that really began the moment I knew that God was calling me to this all the way back in November of 2016. It’s been a long journey. One I had never anticipated and one that has shaped and molded my life forever. It all started long before i was ever on the field, it’s been an ongoing process. A beautiful process and adventure that has broken me apart and shown me how I want to live the rest of my life— through all the things I loved and all the things I wish were not a part of our “christian” culture and didn’t love at all.
God has confirmed my personal calling over these months and revealed to me the gifts He has given me and a heart that is thrilled to serve Him outrageously for the rest of my days. Wherever He takes me next, I know it will be centered around discipleship, mentorship, serving, and creating a new culture that invites everyone in. To offer a safe space, real conversations, and ready hands to go out and make change a reality. To empower women and men to work together for the good of the Kingdom. To give orphans a voice, make them known, and give them homes and love and family. Time to empower leaders in mentoring and discipleship to multiply their efforts, no one goes alone. Enough of the three week discipleship courses—live life with them, speak truth, guide them in the way of Jesus. Cultivate a true family of God: those who love well, who encourage, give, and servants who are ready and willing with an open heart to what the Holy Spirit is speaking to them. To start a revolution of change, of love, of grace, of servanthood, reflection, inclusion, all ages, all races, all people in the way of Jesus. Living together. Growing together.
So now, what you’ve all been waiting for(and me too honestly). What’s after the race? What’s my next big step? Well…I’m ready to tell you…
I’m going back to Michigan for the time being. I’m going to step off a plane in the Detroit Airport in August and most likely fall to pieces. I’m going to rest and enjoy time in God’s presence. I’m going to see my family, play with my nieces and nephew, have coffee dates with my friends, share so many stories you might get sick of it, and ask to hear all about you too. I’m going to go to my 242 Community on Sunday morning and enjoy a corporate worship service and see how much it’s grown and changed while I’ve been gone, I’m going to grab one of my friends there and go get my favorite coffee, have froyo, and get Qdoba. I’m going to spend time reconnecting in relationships that I’ve missed out on, but have never quite forgotten. I’m going to find myself in a new small group and begin to cultivate a new community, I’m going to take a trip to Grand Rapids and Grand Haven to see friends and my favorite places, I’m gonna steal my bestie away from her hubby for a concert, and I’m going to be still in prayer, in thankfulness, and in silence and solitude with my Jesus. And then, then I’m going to Haiti. That’s all I’ve got. Y’all. Seriously. That’s all I have planned out…my first month and a half after the race. That would have sounded crazy once upon a time, but it really just makes sense to me right now and it’s what God’s asking of me.
Of course I have options, thoughts, actual opportunities that have presented themselves already, but I’ve decided through talking it out with jesus and my community…I don’t need to move forward or commit to something while I’m still on the field, because whatever my next move is, I believe it will be another serious commitment, possibly one of the biggest commitments of my life and there’s just no need to rush that. God’s not in a rush and He still has so much for me as I continue in ministry here in Bulgaria and then on to Africa. If I had to choose only one thing that has happened on this journey…it would be that I honestly believe I could do ANYTHING at all with my life for Jesus and that I would do anything He asks of me. And I will as soon as He lets me know what that is. He’s grown this God-dream heart in me now that it’s so big I just want to do anything and everything He tells me. I’m excited for what’s “next”….but I’m honestly more excited right now for what’s in front of me: Africa, home, rest, and Haiti. Again, thank y’all for following my journey and supporting me both prayerfully and financially. I couldn’t do ANY of this without you and YOUR obedience to what God is telling YOU. Love you all.
