Guys! I’m in love! I didn’t think this would happen so soon on the World Race. I’m in love with everything around me: Chile, the people here, the food, the town we are in (Los Andes), the mountains, the views, the weather, my team, our precious hosts, the language and most of all, My God. I have never felt so alive and free and safe in my life. I don’t know how to explain it. I’m so full of joy and am having so much fun, laughing and talking so much. For those of you who have known me for years, you know that I’m not much of a talker and especially not to people I don’t know. I’m not sure what happened here in Chile but I like it. I like this new me and I’m hoping this lasts. As I look back at my life, I can’t even believe this is where God has brought me and I thank Him every single day. I am living in constant awe of Him and how He is able to take the big mess I had in my life and turn it around to this. I get to travel around the world for 11 months to serve and love on people. I can’t think of anything better than that! My life is so full and my heart is so full, I feel like it’s going to burst! I was made for this! I thank God for His faithfulness and favor in my life.
We’ve been in Chile for a week and I have already been able to share my testimony and how God got me through my divorce. I’ve been praying that God would use my story to help and encourage others. And He’s doing it. What a mighty God I serve!
Right before we left for Chile, each of us received a key necklace with a word on it. A man prayed over each of our names and asked the Lord what word to put on the key for each of us. He made them all himself. My word was SAFE. God knew that is the word that I needed. I’ve never really felt safe in my life, so this was the perfect word for God to give me because now I know without a doubt that I will be safe wherever I go. (Don’t worry Mom and my family, I’m not going to take unnecessary or stupid risks.)
This month we will be teaching English, building relationships with the people here, ministering to our hosts, helping in the church here and doing some street evangelism. And probably other things. I can’t wait to see what the Lord has planned. My life is in His hands and I plan to obey all that He asks me to do. God help me with that! We’ll see how that goes.
I want to thank all of you again who have helped me get here, whether with your prayers or with donations. I believe I am exactly where God wants me to be. What a privilege to live my life for Him and partner with Him all over the world. I love my life!
