Today marks the beginning of the autumn season. For a midwest girl like me, it means leaves changing colors from shades of green to breath-taking reds, oranges, and golds. It means marching band, I mean football, season. Pumpkin spice flavors are EVERYWHERE. The temperatures get a little colder, and I get to pull out my blanket-like sweaters. My favorite thing to do is curl up in a warm blanket with a good book and a cup of warm tea or apple cider. *Apple orchards are open, frozen apple cider is amazing, and apple donuts…heavenly*
Changes do not always come into our lives so beautifully. In the past five months I have quit my job, switched world race routes, turned 25, battled with God, visited family in South Carolina, met my former squad face-to-face in Georgia, spent two weeks working with teams from Adventures in Louisiana, prayed over moving to a new state, met a lot of new friends, cried a lot, was introduced to new worship music, grown in my faith, and began talking with my new squad. Whew, it has been emotionally, mentally, physically, and mentally life-changing.
I will be writing more in depth about the mission trip to Louisiana soon.
Switching squads in August was a spiritually and emotionally challenging event. I did not know why God would let 50+ people get so close and vulnerable with one another, then just take that wonderful community out of my life. Thankfully, they still love me, but they are about to experience 11 months of ministry together. It is tough to know that I won’t be by their side when they leave in nine days.
I battled with God and considered giving up going on the World Race many times. I had to ask God when He wanted me to go, and where He wanted me to go. My biggest fear was that I would begin to compare this new group of people with the former squad. However, I have realized that it is an opportunity to get to know even more people. This is allowing God to show me what the Body of Christ looks like more fully. I also have to continue fundraising, which is extremely tough to do when you have experienced a lack of support for the past year. I still have complete faith that God is providing everything that I need.
I am now leaving for the World Race in August of 2017. I have come to the conclusion that God is still in charge. He is my constant through the changing of seasons. Whatever comes my way, I must let go of my fears and let God be God.
What season changes have you been through, or are you currently experiencing? Please share in the comments below. Your story may help encourage someone else to continue trusting the Lord, our only constant. Also I would love to pray for you.
Be Joyful!
