About a week ago I landed in Atlanta, Ga. I never would of thought that I would be coming off the field in the middle of March, however; due to COVID-19 and borders closing AIM made the decision to pull over 550+ missionaries off the field. I trust their decision, because I know the staff continually went before the Lord for wisdom, while keeping our safety as their top priority. With in 36 hours we were informed that our Parent vision trip was canceled, India had closed its boarders so we would be rerouted and then that were actually going back to the states.
Honestly, it feels like I have whip flash. One minute I was ending my second work week in Eswatini, and planning a half way point celebration with Racheal Snow and then the next I was packing my bags to leave the field 5 months early. I felt every emotion at once and most were opposing. In shock and sad to leave something unfinished, and yet I was still happy to see my mom and excited to see what the Lord has in store. Saturday, March 14 we loaded in Kumbis to head to South Africa. Our next few days would look like long flights, layovers, and three time zones. We all landed in Washington DC on Monday, March 16 around 6pm. I left DC to flight to ALT the next morning.
After a week of being home, the realness has began to sink in. This has not been an easy week and I have felt the excitement of wonders of what the Lord is doing and I have felt the lows of hopelessness and unknown (just being honest.) Being quarantined is not an easy task for my extroverted self. For the last 6 month I have been surrounded by beautiful like minded believers at all times and now I am at home alone most of the day. The truth is life on the race is easy for me, its coming home that is truly hard. I thank the Lord that we have the availability to use technology to keep in touch with our community. Our squad is currently doing video devotionals together in the morning.
The good thing about being quarantined is that I have plenty of time to process and rest in the Lord. Yesterday, Kaelyn Gauthier lead the devotion and she opened my eyes to see that the Lord has known all along that we would be going home after month six and He has prepared us during our journey.
Thought out our race the Lord has been preparing us for coming home. Now I can see the immense preparation that was put into place. The song that followed us though out our race a was Waymaker. He is our waymaker in the mist of the unknown, He is a miracle worker in the midst of the covid-19, He is a promise keeper for eternity, and He is the light in darkness. We all declare that He is our God and we will worship Him. He is here in our midst, working in this place, touching peoples hearts, turning lives around, and even when we cannot see it He is working. Interesting song to relate to all that the world is going through at the moment.
In month 4 (Lesotho) lukewarm Christians was put on Kaelyn’s heart and then confirmed by the message preached our first Sunday. We all started praying for those at home who do not know the full truth or those who do not walk it out. This month was full of intimacy and direct communication with the Father. Little did we know He was preparing us to come home and to be the Church to our communities and families.
Month 5 (South Africa) the Lord taught me about kingdom dreaming and not limiting Him. I had kingdom dreams of speaking to crowds, holding bible studies with my college best friend, using art to spread the kingdom, working for a church I really believe in and love. I was prophecied over about not disqualifying myself from what God has called me qualified. I am qualified to be home now. I was prophesied over about financial provision and opportunity. I am now home and He continues to provide for my needs and has blessed me with opportunity.
Month 6 (Eswatini) I began to pursue with the Lord a job at the Chruch I dreamed about in South Africa. An opportunity that seemed 5 months away and the day after sending in my resume and cover letter, we were going home to the states.
I do not know what the future holds, but I do know my Father in heaven has huge plans and I rest in His goodness, control and character. I will rejoice in the opportunity to be with family and friends. I will share the testimonies that He has blessed me with over the past 6 months. I believe a world-wide revival is coming.
Logistically, AIM is currently assessing next steps and will be reaching out to us in 60 days. Everything is currently up in the air. Please keep the leadership in your prayers and believe with us that the Lord has big plans ahead
