Hello everyone! Greetings from the great state of Minnesota. Yep, you heard that right, I am home. I have actually been home for a week now due to the increase of covid-19. Let me tell you how I got here…
Last Sunday, March 15th, my squad leader pulled us all into the meeting room of our hostel in Chaing Mai, Thailand at 8 am. During this meeting we were told that Adventures in Missions had made the decision to pull all missionaries off of the mission field and bring them back home. I was speechless. I immediately was flooded with so many thoughts and emotions. We were also told that we were going to be leaving the next morning at 7 am. We had less than 24 hours in Thailand. We packed up and flew out the next morning to Taiwan and then from there we landed in Los Angeles, CA. We were planning on having a final debrief to spend a little bit of time together processing the abrupt end to our journey together. As soon as we landed in LAX, we received an email with an update that we were not allowed to meet in groups larger than 10 because of the quick spread of the virus. I was heartbroken. Our debrief was cancelled and by the next morning half of my squad was already on their way home. So many really hard goodbyes in the short span of about 72 hours or so. IT WAS HARD.
I booked my flight and said goodbye to my squad and my World Race journey on Wednesday, March 18th and by that evening I was in MN.
It has been WILD.
I honestly don’t think I can even write about what I have all been feeling since they told us we were coming home. I have felt every emotions. sad. frustrated. confused. excitement. anger. I have been all over the place and it has not been easy.
I am really just here to update you. I am wanting to soon write a more detailed blog about my time in Thailand because I absolutely adored that place and would love to share some more of my heart with you guys.
As for right now, I’m home! I am resting and processing the last 7 months of my life. I’m seeking peace and laying down everything at the Father’s feet each day.
how you can be praying:
-peace over this transition time for myself, my squad, and the 500+ missionaries that are now home.
-over AIM as they continue to work hard with things always changing (guys! They are amazing!)
-for me specifically be praying for a heart of acceptance with everything that is going on and discernment as I continue to seek the Lord’s heart in this season at home
-for safety and protection concerning covid-19
-believers to rally around and be the church!
I will be praying for you guys as well! Please feel free to reach out with any specific requests. God is on the move!! I am seriously planning on posting a more in depth blog in the future. Get ready! Thank you for reading and supporting me through it all. You all mean so much to me!
with love & joy,
Leanna Murphy
