Wow, It’s for sure been a hot minute since I last updated you & –time fly’s when you hit the ground in the states.

Well technically, I havent been in the states. After Christmas and seeing my family, I returned to El Salvador To spend another month! 

Last month I returned to San Salvador (remember project dream-truck roof project?! thats where I went back to.) I also worked with with a few other churches and taught Several bible classes.  I got to see this church bless their community in building a new house and providing beds for all the 13 children and the family living there. It was so amazing to see these people helping the less fortunate even when they are living without much themselves. 

 

 

When I came home in December from the race, my wonderful family and friends threw a welcome home party for me! We all met at camp sunrise in Georgia for a fun weekend together. I was able To share about my year abroad and show some videos pictures. It was wonderful to be able to fellowship with you who have journeyed with me over the year. 

You are someone that believed in me through the thick and thin. You encouraged me more than you know this year and in seasons past too. You supported me in a life changing journey. Your investment in my life will have a positive ripple affect around the world forever. I am totally serious about this one. I could not have done what I did without your support. Thank you for your “YES” in my life. Thank you for partnering with me in discovering more and more of God’s heart for this broken and extremely beautiful world. Thank you, for being you.

 

Now, how do I sum up what this year was and all it entailed? I cannot. That will take a lifetime to truly understand what this experience allowed me to discover about God, myself, and the people of this world. But I hope to be a living testimony of this experience.

 

Corinthians 3:18 says,

“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. 

This verse is basically talking about how the Lord shapes us to look more and more like Him as He takes us from one season to another season in our lives. This season of the Race has been so amazing for me. It has brought up things I’ve needed to work on in my life. It has brought up areas the Lord has gifted me in. It has shown me what it truly means to be HIS church and embody that. However, it is just that…a season. I have really been praying about what He wants me to do with this life He has given me. In that, I started asking Him questions.

Lord where do you want to take me? What do you want me to do? How can I effectively accomplish what you are calling me into next?

The Lord has used my Race to show me that WHEREVER I am-in the little villages in Africa, hiking through the alps of Nepal, in the malls of Bangkok or on a river in Cambodia.  He can and has used me in all these vast different locations and ministries. All he wants from me is a willing heart to serve him and others wherever I am. To get involved with the communities around me, just like I did on the race. 

 

What’s next for Chelsy? It’s another season and journey of trust. But I know if I’m seeking God and his direction, it will be nothing short of amazing. Here’s a little update on my life for this next season of journey with the Lord. 

I am blessed to be able to return back to my job with the compassion experience! (More info HERE) I am so happy to be able to come home a job that helps change the lives so many children around the world. I was able to live in so many of the countries that compassion works with and visit the centers firsthand, now I get to share these experiences with others and help sponsor children. I am truest blessed with this job and sharing how sponsorship changes lives. I would love to have you all come to one of the events, and be a part!  

 

I left my heart in one of the countries I was in. El Salvador. I had no idea at the time that this tiny little country would change my life and fill my heart with suchlove and joy. 

I had the privilege of working with some amazing people there. One person in particular…..Salvador. 

He helpled my team with translating the whole month. He has a full time job but he would use his free time and come every night to Translate for us. I was competely smitten with the Latin man who loved Jesus. I tried to win his affection by making him coffee each evening he came to translate for my class. We taught a crazy class of middle schoolers together, I talked and he translated….and also tried to control the kids. There was something different about this guy….and the more time we spent together the more I fell for him, his dimpled smile and love for ministry. 

But I had to leave. Just like every month and country before-we move on to our next location and ministry. With tear filled eyes I said goodbye. Never imagining I would see this guy again. 

 

Long story short and my surprise, we continued to talk through the last month of my race. In December he surprised me and came to visit in Georgia and meet my family and officially asked to date me. Of course I ecstatically said yes. And since then our relationship has grown and deepened. I went back to El Salvador to do ministry and spend time with him in January. We are praying about what steps to take for our future, but for now we are just enjoying the time we can spend with each other in the midst of work schedules. But we are very happy and excited for what’s to come. 🙂 

 

God writes some amazing love stories. This one took me around the world-literally, to a tiny little country in Central America. To a tiny little church in the middle of dangerous neighborhood. Our host didn’t speak English so we needed a translator. And Sal scarified his off time to translate for pur world race team. I’m so glad we both said yes to the Lords work.-I know he brought us together, and will continue to guide our steps. 

 

The journey doesn’t stop here, it’s only begun! 

Eph 3:20-21

Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. 

 

If you would like to chat more about my experiences on the race, volunteer at a compassion event with me, or just chat more, feel free to connect with me via [email protected] or give me a ring! I Would love to hear from you and share more. we may not be able to connect in person often, I promise you are the one that comes to mind as I pray for direction and pursue opportunities laid ahead. Thanks for being you. It’s been an honor to share this incredible journey with you All, the body of Christ. 

With great Love, 

Chelsy