It is 1:33 AM (Pacific Time) and I am still wide awake (which is probably partly due to the fact that I am a caffeine virgin and had a Starbucks coffee at 8 PM). My mind is buzzing (figuratively and possibly literally). But, all I can think about is how yesterday, I quit a job I LOVED. And I couldn’t be happier.
I am an ICU nurse. For two years now this has been my identity. I pride myself on my accomplishments in my career to this point and love going to work every day. Working in critical care and being in the heat of the moment –blood and all- has been everything I have ever wanted since my first day of my first nursing class. So, why am I so ecstatic that I quit the job I’ve always dreamed of having??
Because Jesus revealed to me that, while saving lives is good,
saving souls is better.
“Surely there can be no greater joy than that of saving souls.”
~Lottie Moon
I can’t sleep because figuratively (also literally because I am extremely accident prone and it is an unfortunate fact that I have managed to spill THREE full drinks on the ground, EACH time, at different restaurants in the past week.) my cup runneth over. God has given me joy unspeakable at the thought of being able to commit 100% of my time and energy into serving Him. Words cannot express how thankful I am for the grace and mercy that He has poured out in my life and how honored I am that I get to serve Him in this way over the next year.
As I reflect back on the incredible nurses I have had the honor and privilege of working with on the ICU team these past two years, I can’t help but get excited about my new team that I get to work side by side with in 11 different countries across the world during the next 11 months.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you, Team Lighthouse.
From Left to Right: Julia, Oriolyne, Daniel, Taylor, Abby (front bottom), Ryan, and yours truly
FUN FACT: Before I even really knew what was happening, my team had unanimously decided on Lighthouse for our team name, consequently enough, the church I attend is named “Lighthouse Family Worship Center”
As I sit here, on my couch, at 3:12 AM, curled up in my U of O blanket (Go Ducks!) with my shower hair (a sight never to behold, trust me), a few words come to mind when I think about what a lighthouse symbolizes.
Firm
Steadfast
Unwavering
Constant
Safe Haven
Saving Grace
A Promise
Peace in the Storm
HOPE.
The interesting thing about a lighthouse is not that it only has a light inside it, but that it reflects that light into the darkness. A lighthouse would not be worth much to the lost ships if it did not reflect the light inside it so that others could see it. This concept is the heart of what our team is about. Not only knowing, understanding, and growing in Jesus personally over the next year, but also reflecting Jesus’ love and being a beacon to lost souls, pointing them directly to the Cross of Calvary and the Savior of the World.
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More Fun Facts about Lighthouse and its Team Members:
Ryan- Team Leader
- Texan
- Dead fish warrior king
- “Yee Yee”
- Continuous prayer Warrior
Julia- Team Cook
- Plays a mean Cajon
- Will cook the socks off of Gordon Ramsey
- Holy Ghost sanctified
Oriolyne- Team Mom (No, not Teen Mom, you read that wrong)
- Snapchat QUEEN
- Don’t ever play her in UNO- you will lose
- Fierce Protector and loving Encourager
Taylor- Team Trainer/Photographer
- Will kick your butt at Zumba blindfolded
- Also Texan and proud
- Teacher by trade
- Spiritual motivator in Jesus’ name
Daniel- Team Theologian
- Fluent in all things pizza related
- Lives in New Mexico and is unfamiliar with what water looks like
- Studying to become and called to be a pastor
- Feet shod with the Gospel
Abby- Team Adventure Guide
- Short and sassy
- Kentucky lovin’
- Headband wearin’
- Sunflower pickin’
- God’s golden ray of Sunshine and Joy
WE LEAVE IN 27 DAYS!!!
Please continue to be in prayer as we get last minute things arranged before leaving the country for a year! This also includes finances! Our next fundraising goal is due July 21st! Coming up quick! I need to reach $10,000 by then in order to leave with my squad on August 4th! If you feel God is leading you to donate financially please do so by clicking the orange “DONATE” button on the top right hand corner of the page, ANY amount is SO greatly appreciated more than you know! If you have any questions or would like to meet up with me for lunch to talk more about my trip, please don’t hesitate to ask!
May God bless and keep you in His tender Love and Mercy.
~Rachel
