Nothing gets a person's mind racing more than the question what's next? Racers about to head home, students gradutating high school and university, a newly married couple, hurricane survivors, people who have recentley been laid off work all wonder what's next. It keeps many people up at night because it causes the brain to be working at full speed. The fact is that in 24 days I will be back home.
Twenty four days until I am back in the comfort of West Michigan just in time for my favorite season.
Twenty four days until I have access to a clean hot shower.
Twenty four days until I have more than just 4 semi clean outfits.
Twenty four days until I can actually go somewhere by myself.
Twenty four days until no one is telling me what my plan is for the day.
AND that both thrills and terrifies me.
Why? Because the past year of my life has been spent living in a close community, where you learn to think and act as a group, where I was constantly serving and putting others first unless I acted out on a few selfish desires. But instead of holding on to that fear I am throwing it aside. The truth is that I am not that undecisive and frightened girl anymore. I have found out who I am on the race. I am confident, radient, lovely, worthy, and a strong young woman whom the Lord takes delight in. So although what I have tentively planned for my future can and probably will change I will continue to seek the Lord.
So what exactly is next for Angela Marjory Grit?
Well in 24 days the first thing is a long hot shower, a delicious dinner, and sleep. But after that I will be listening to the Lord to see what I am supposed to do until January. I feel pulled in so many directions. Maybe I will see if I can help out with CORE or high school youth group at my church. I will probably try to find a job doing something where I can put what I've learned this past year to use. Maybe do a little photography and a whole lot of time spent with family and friends.
Okay you say that sounds great but after that?
Let me rewind to my month 8 debrief, AKA re-entry debrief. We were presented with opportunties like G42 Leadership Academy in Spain, squad leading a future WR or Real Life squad, and chances to move down to Georgia to work with AIM. All of those sounded great, but something else was on my heart. It shocked me the most because I was so elated to be done last April. The thing that was on my heart was the desire to go back to school. You read that right. I bet now you are wondering what for. Bible? Missions? Social Work? Law? Well let's not get too crazy here. I want to go to Grand Valley State University for Recreational Therapy, but first its back to Muskegon Community College in January to take a few classes so that I can go straight into phase II of the program at GVSU and save a little bit of money.
This year of my life has had its ups and downs, but I'll never forget the memories and stories of the people I came to know. The biggest lesson I have learned is that I can do missions right from West Michigan. I would still love to go out and do missions internationally, but short term. I think the Lord wants to use me in West Michigan. It's funny because never in a million years did I picture myself staying in West Michigan. This year the Lord answered my prayer for travel and missions, but in doing so he showed me ways that he wants to use me back home. Many of those things are still unclear, but my eyes are focused on the Lord and I trust that he has only the best in store for me.
There really is no concrete way to end this blog because there are no concrete plans in my future. Just desires placed on my heart and maybe the Lord will use you again to help answer some of my prayers. Thank you so much for the support you have given me this year. I would love it if you left comments on this blog. It could be advice, or something the Lord has placed on your heart, or maybe its just a small bit of encouragement, but I would appreciate even a small hello. I'll be home so soon!
