This semester I was presented with three options. One option was predictable and safe, the second was boring and dependable, and the third was risky and filled with uncertainty.
My first semester at the University of Georgia was hectic. From the moment I moved my life into a little shoe box sized dorm room, I felt like I was cursed with restlessness and had a burning desire to leave. Two weeks into school, a dear friend of mine passed away. My friend’s passing only made my restlessness grow stronger. A month after her passing, another friend of mine had fallen and was in the ICU for head injuries for several days. It began to feel like tragedy was surrounding me. In mid-October, I broke. I couldn’t handle starting a new school, dealing with losing my friend, and watching another friend in pain. In my brokenness, I realized I had to hand everything over to the Lord. I had to let go of my fears and anxieties, and the moment I did, I saw what my options were. I felt like I was on an old game show where there were three wildly different prizes hiding behind three curtains.
Curtain #1: This curtain didn’t scare me. Behind this curtain was the option to stay at the University of Georgia. I would finish freshman year and push my feelings of restlessness deep inside of me. If I chose this option, I would live in my freshman dorm, meet wonderful people, become heavily involved in a ministry on campus, and have the typical freshman experience. It was an uncomplicated and straightforward choice; however, this curtain brought me no joy.
Curtain #2: This curtain didn’t excite me. Behind this curtain was the option to drop out of school for a semester and find work. Though there was more risk involved, I would have a steady income. I would either go back to an old job I had in the past, or search for a new job that would hopefully be interesting to me. My life would be stable. I would live at home, be able to visit friends at UGA, and make money. It was a dull and dismal choice; however, I knew this curtain wouldn’t satisfy my restlessness.
Curtain #3: This curtain didn’t comfort me. Behind this curtain was the option to drop out of school for a semester and recklessly pursue the Lord on the World Race: Semester. I would leave school and serve the Lord for three months with people I don’t know in a foreign country. I would leave my comfortable life to serve people overseas. My life would be abnormal. It was a unique and unpredictable choice; however, I knew this curtain would bring me immense joy and satisfy my restlessness.
From the beginning of the semester, I felt like I was cursed with restlessness. I had the desire to leave to see God’s kingdom and go on a “Kingdom Journey” where I radically pursue the Lord. When I saw my three options, I was suddenly aware that the “curse of restlessness” I had been feeling wasn’t a curse. It was a gift. I was given the gift of restlessness. Realizing the gift I had been given, my choice became incredibly clear. I told the Lord, “I’ll take curtain number three.” Ever since I chose curtain number three, my life has radically changed. Now, as I finish my freshman semester, I am preparing for a Kingdom Journey to Thailand and Cambodia!
Reality is setting in. I am leaving the comforts of home for three months. I am leaving my friends and my family, and my clubs and education. I am the only one of my friends not returning to UGA next semester. I am stepping into the unknown, and I’ve never felt more joy or peace about anything like this before.
It is going to be a rewarding and challenging semester for me. There are a few ways you can partner with me on this Kingdom Journey.
The first is through prayer. Pray that The Lord would continually mold me into who He has called me to be. Pray for my team. Pray that He would be at work inside them and unify us as a whole. Pray that God would also be at work in the nations of Thailand and Cambodia. Most of all, pray that through this entire process, The Lord would receive glory and honor. This is for Him, not me.
The second is financially. I know that God is going to use this short time of preparation to teach me how to better trust Him. I have to fundraise a total of $6,400 by the middle of January! I believe that The Lord will indeed provide in full, and I believe that He can do this through you! Would you prayerfully consider partnering with me in this way? If you feel called or are interested in supporting my trip, it is super simple! You can click on the orange tab that says “Donate!” and it will take you to a website to financially support to my trip.
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My journey has just begun, and I am grateful for people like you who will be my community and pray for me for the next several months. Thank you for joining me on this radical adventure!
