Hey there guys! It’s been a while! I hope everyone has just had the best summer- relaxing, challenging, sun-filled, etc. All the things really. I got home from camp about a week ago, and am now in full-fledged Asia prep mode. I fly to Georgia in less than a week for training!! And then off to Cambodia on September 1st!!! WILD. So that’s what is going on in my life, but now to my heart. As I have been trying to process the past 3 MONTHS!!! (what even) that I spent at camp, here are some of the things I learned either about myself or about God. Maybe you can relate! Or not! But I hope you will be encouraged.
-
I don’t know if you guys remember, but I came into camp exhausted-mentally, spiritually, emotionally- and so nervous because how the heck was I supposed to pour out to a bunch of little girls when I had absolutely nothing left to give, and did not feel like myself at all whatsoever. But God!!!! was/is literally so amazing. He provided all of the energy and joy, rest and peace I could ever need. Always. He never failed to show up- He is SUCH a healer. His gentle hand was always there carrying me along- pulling me when I needed to be pulled, lifting me when I needed to be lifted (with wings like eagles!!) My whole summer is a huge testament to God’s faithfulness and his goodness. Over the course of my time there, I got to see 2 little girls give their lives to Jesus and so many others be encouraged and feel so loved. So thank you God!!!! I love you and you are so WONDERFUL.
-
Along those same lines, I was reminded this summer that God cares so deeply about the little things I didn’t even know existed in my heart. I literally slept in fresh mountain air right by a waterfall for almost 3 months straight- literal dream, and he knew that!! What a sweet gift that was! His plan is so good, encompassing every area of my life and every piece of my heart. He crafted that place with those specific people to revive each part of me- body, soul, heart, and mind. And then getting to give all of myself to my time there and love him with everything in return was just one of the coolest things.
-
Parts of my summer were also extremely challenging- yet I am sooo thankful for them! He grew in me patience and steadfastness, and taught me an even deeper understanding of what it means to endure, even when you feel like you literally could not be more exhausted.
-
I learned about the type of leader I want to be- leading with compassion, humility, and gentleness, but also with passion and vision. I think great strength can be found there. And also just the joy that is found in stepping into the person God is creating me to be- that was something so fun about this summer, and now being able to look back and think “omg. I did that.”
-
And lastly, I was reminded that when I give everything I have each day, that is when he gets the MOST glory and the MOST honor out of my life. That is the goal. And also it is way more fun than doing anything half-way.
It was a great summer!!!! And I am excited to keep on processing and learning as I move into the next 3 months- ASIAAAAAAA!!! I am having to remind myself that I am supposed to be going on this trip. God made that very clear by his abundant faithfulness and that has NOT changed. And just like he prepared camp for me- he has and is already preparing Cambodia and Thailand! So all I have to do is rest in him! And pack! Lol. Side note- I got my vaccinations yesterday (shots are a NO for me) for all this travelling and my arm is SO SORE. But you know what, it’s going to be so worth it. In the book I am currently reading there is a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson and it says “God will not have his work made manifest by cowards.” When I first read that, I thought “Oh, shoot.” But I think he may be onto something with that thought. Of course God is going to work however and through whomever he wants but I don’t want to miss anything by being too afraid to step up to the plate. The opposite of being a coward is being brave, and that doesn’t necessarily mean you are not scared, it means you are choosing to embrace the challenge, and not let that fear hold you back. So there is some food for thought for you guys! We can all be a little braver, I think! As for me, I’m choosing to laugh in the face of doubt and fear (HA) and get EXCITED about the next 3 months. IT’S FLIPPIN GO TIME BABY. Let’s do this.
I will update you guys again soon as I head into a couple days of training camp!! EEEKKK. :))) Pray for me! I’m praying for y’all!!
Love, Emily
