I’ve had to ask a lot of people a lot of questions throughout this year. Going into a new country and culture every month has its plethora of different questions that are absolutely necessary. Such as, “Can I show my knees here?” Or, “Can I flush toilet paper?” Just to name a few.
Lately I’ve been asking God a lot of questions about my future. The future is something I feel like, especially as Christians, we put a lot of weight on. What’s God’s will for my life?
Something that this journey has taught me is to be prepared for anything. Many times our ministry ends up looking much different than our emails said. God does immeasurably more than we imagine. This also applies to my whole life. I can honestly say that 7 years ago, as a freshman in college I thought I’d be married out of college and been a few years into my career by now. Which that was and still is such a great and desirable thing to me. But God has done immeasurably more. God has so graciously allowed me to be a part of His work around the world. I know though, that it’s not for my benefit. God is using this year to launch me into the rest of my life. To invite everyone reading this into the blessings of this adventurous year.
Lately, I’ve been loving every minute of this journey. Five months ago I was itching for month 11. Now, four months from now I’ll be back in the USA, beginning a new chapter in life, and it’s almost terrifying. A little over a month ago, God told me to give away my personal Bible to a dear friend in Myanmar. So upon getting a “new” one from a teammate, I’ve started from the beginning.
What I’ve noticed about the Old Testament is that whenever God speaks to someone, He always begins with casting away fear. Fear is one of the most debilitating things in our lives, and God knows it. It’s why He constantly tells us throughout the Bible, NOT to be afraid. He is the one in control. Exodus 14:14 says, “The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still,” and another translation says “silent” instead of still. Silent and still. Two of the most difficult things to be as a human. Those are two things that God has taught me to be since I committed to the World Race in January 2017. God is doing the fighting, and He graciously invites us to be involved and used as instruments for His glory. God was already planning to part the Red Sea before He saw His people in a panic. Before Moses saw the Egyptians coming after them, God had already won. So that’s the mindset I’m striving to have. God is the one doing the fighting, and God has already won. Seeking God first, sharing the Gospel, and loving as Jesus Christ loves are the parts that God graciously invites us into through a relationship with Him. And love in Christ is the greatest adventure!
Personal Update: Month 8. Wow. I’ve been on the mission field for the past eight months. The days are long, but the months are short. This month my team and I are in the beautiful Pretoria, South Africa. We are working at a Christian camp, that’s mission is to bring schools from across different types of communities together, and bridge the economic and ethnic gaps that separate them. My team and I will be counseling and helping with the upkeep and running of the camp. Please pray for us!
Talya’s Adventure Tee! I fly back to the United States at the end of June! I am now fundraising for my flight home. Adventures in Missions flys my team back to the nearest international airport in the U.S., and we depart for home from there. This fundraiser is also for my first few months of expenses, as I will not have any income. I know God will provide a job in due time, but in obedience and stewardship I am selling “Talya’s Adventure Tee”, and it will ship directly to you from the company, Bonfire, at the end of my campaign! So if you want to support me one last time and want an awesome t-shirt or tank top, visit the link below! Love you all, thank you!
Buy Talya’s Adventure Tee Here! https://www.bonfire.com/talyas-adventure-tee/
Available in multiple colors 🙂 Campaign ends Friday, March 23rd!
Love you guys!
Talya
