The 2 most dreaded words to most missionaries who are coming off of the missions field…
Whats Next?
When asked this question I always tilt my head to the side, give a polite smile and respond with whatever comes to mind. “Oh you know, maybe I will go back to school for a masters degree. Or start a non Profit, write a book, get married, learn to fly a plane or become president.” The truth is we usually have no idea what’s next, and that question stresses me out about it because I hate not knowing what’s next. Now granted there are a few people who started the race already intending to go back to jobs, lovers, and past lives. Unfortunately that wasn’t my story, and although I knew some future plans, such as ministry in my church, how GOD would bring them into fruition was beyond me.
So after 11 months of traveling the world, after the most challenging year of my life I found myself back in Akron, OH. There were dozens of days I yearned for this city, to see people I recognized and things I loved, but it wasn’t long before I recognized that being home wasn’t as easy as I thought. There are things most just don’t understand about the year you just experienced on the Race, there is a ton you wont understand about the change that has gone on at home. I felt like I needed to be asked questions about my year so I could express it, remember it, because honestly it feels like a long lost dream, and even when there were questions asked at times I found myself at a loss for words, but being able to even express the magnitude to which I had changed inside. There was a gap, a hole and to be honest I still haven’t quite filled it in yet, it seems as though a part of my heart is somewhere wandering the world, a part of my heart considers the nations to be its home, its no longer settled in Akron, OH.
Despite all of this I was determined to grow roots at home, stay for a while, enjoy home, own a few personal things like a couch, or even a lamp. I had also fallen head over heels for a guy in akron, and after a year of the no dating covenant I was anxious to see where that would lead. Yes despite not knowing what was “next” I slowly began to realize that I did have plans of my own, plans I was quite fond of, plans I wanted to see manifest now that it was my time to be at home.
REMIX
But then GOD asked me to go to project searchlight, a 5 day meet up for people post World Race to debrief, and discuss what’s next. I was confused as to why GOD would ask me to go, I had no intention of doing anything missional for a while, unless I was helping mobilize someone else. Never the less I was obedient and went. Long story short in 5 days GOD once again turned my life upside down, HE not only called me back on the missions field, but HE called me sooner than I could have ever imagined.
Im leaving in 3 weeks…
Yes in 3 weeks I will be on a plane heading to some unknown destination around the world, leading a group of 18-22 year olds as they humbly follow the call on their lives to GO, as they abandon all, even college to follow JESUS! I don’t have all of the details as of yet, but once I do I will post a blog about where I will be going! Right now I need a few things from you guys!
1. Prayer! I have a lot to do in a very short amount of time, GOD is totally equipping me because I am called and not the other way around.
2.provision! At this point I only need to support raise $1,600 for 3 months on the field! If you would like to support you can still do so on the left side of the page of my blog!
3. Prayer! I cannot stress how important this is, not just for me, but for the nations! There is a ton of work to be done, GOD has been revealing this to me throughout the past 4 years, and thousands die daily having never heard the Gospel, do something about it!
Thank you to everyone who has followed and supported this journey. Honestly when it began almost 2 years ago I could have never imagined how GOD would lay it out, or that there would be a part 2! Know that you have blessed so many others people through your prayers and support, and this journey will bless the next generation of fearless young missionaries, ready to hit the nations for JESUS! And somhow I believe this trip is a vital step in my understanding the past year of my life on the race. Stay Tuned…
Love Love Love Love Love,
Carmella
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