America. Land of the free. Land of the brave. Land of the unknown.
I’m home and it’s really the weirdest thing. I’ve often described it as feeling like I just came out of this weird time warp. It’s like trying to describe this other world to people. As much as people try to understand, it’s hard to comprehend the fullness of the things that I’ve seen. I’m leaving a life of craziness and wonder for a life that feels really normal. I’m back to all of my friends that I know, all of my family that is familiar, and my little coffee shop with the most reliable Americanos.
Most times that I’ve run into people the conversation has gone: “HEY! Wow, you’re home!! How are you?! How was your trip?! What’s next??”
So I’m here to answer that last question!!
What’s next?
I thrived on the World Race. I loved life. I loved the culture. I loved the wonder and the experiences. I loved serving and learning. I loved being the hands and feet of Jesus in places that so desperately needed it. I wasn’t ready to leave.
Don’t get me wrong, I have been loving my time at home, also, but I know that my time isn’t done on the mission field.
In Peru, my squad mentor reached out to me and asked me to be on the leadership team for her next Gap Year squad. She gave me the option and, after praying about it and processing it, I declined her offer.
In India, while I was processing reentry, I was talking with the Lord about America. I told him about how much I loved the Race (as if He didn’t already know) and I told Him about how much I wasn’t ready to be done. When I got back to the land of WiFi, I checked my blog and the fundraising bar looks like it does now.
Instead of the fundraising bar reading “$14,951”, it read, $3,000”.
I freaked out. I asked around. I asked for a logical reason. No one knew anything. No one had messed with my blog. There was no logical reasoning for the change.
Then the Lord reminded me of the leadership position that my squad mentor had asked me about a few months prior. The position that I had declined. The leadership position that requires me to go back on the field. The leadership position that costs $3,000.
So I asked for confirmation. I said “Lord, my blog looks like this now. It reads “3,000”. Its obvious that it’s up and ready for donations. If you actually want me to do this, give me a donation. Give me a super solid, tangible confirmation of what you want me to do.
Later that same day, someone approached me and said, “Hey, if you’re still planning on doing that Alumni Team Leading thing, I want to be your first donor.”
OKAY HEY LORD!! I see you!!
So what is Alumni Team Leading??
It’s another 3 months on the field with a Gap Year Squad. I will be doing missions work, setting culture on the squad, and discipling the people that I’ll be leading. I’ll be headed to Guatemala to serve alongside the ministries there.
The leaders on my squad were incredibly influential (check this link if you want examples) and I hope to do the same. In order to do so, I need help from you! If you’re interested in financially supporting my journey, click the big blue DONATE button at the top of the page. If it’s easier, you can personally give me checks or cash. ((P.S. It’s all tax deductible!!))
If you’re interested in getting coffee or dinner to hear about my past 9 months, shoot me a message! I would love to update everyone on what the Lord did and what He’s still working on. If you have any questions at all, I would love to answer them! Send me a text, facebook message, email, insta DM, whatever is your style.
I love you guys and thanks for all the support over these past 9 months! I couldn’t have done it without you!!
