When I give You what I can’t keep,
and take a hold of You!
Training camp ended … 2 days ago, and I am still processing everything that happened. It’s everything you have read and will read about and so much more. I could talk about the literal “what happened” day 1, day 2, day 3, and so on, but that wouldn’t do it justice (and would ruin the surprise!). More importantly, the transformation that took place in me and in my team is what needs to be shared, to God be the glory!
“From the head to the heart,
you take me on a journey,
of letting go and getting lost in you.”
“From the head”, the obvious … the tangible things we learned: we learned about different cultures, food, expectations, group dynamics, preaching, teaching, evangelism, visas, paperwork, books to read… the list goes on and on and on…
“To the heart”, where God spoke, and (for me at least) breathed new life.
Walking in, I carried baggage. We all have those things we don’t like to share, can’t seem to get over and let be a barrier between ourselves and God. In those 10 days I was challenged to bring the dark things to light, trust, love and live in community like I have never experienced before. My family grew by 45 (and then some) and my heart is SO FULL, my heart is HAPPY in a way I haven’t experienced… my cup runneth over.
“My heart is open wide
I will receive your light
You give me faith like a child
In you my heart runs wild”
This is my heart song, and this is where I stand now, having left shame, guilt, hatred frustration, misunderstanding, and countless other things at the foot of the cross. In him I can now truly experience faith like a child! I (quite literally) jump for joy at the idea of sharing my faith, praying for others, hearing from God is the realest of ways and serving here and in the countries we are headed to. I have no words to adequately describe this renewed relationship with God.
God speaks, God moves and God will use ME, YOU, and anyone willing (but not because he needs to). And the best part is… he works all things for our GOOD. I am just in awe of the things and people he has put in my path to get me to this point. He’s getting ready to take us on a once in a lifetime adventure, but I am sure it won’t stop there as I will never forget that this “once in a lifetime” thing, has got to be a “the rest of this lifetime” thing.
So… On that note, let me introduce you to my family!
These are my people! This is 45 of the most loving, caring, compassionate people I have ever met. Each one of them has a heart after Christ and is truly out to expand the kingdom. I can’t wait to do life and community with them this coming year! #RsquadisOURsquad
And these ladies, right here… These are my DOGs (Daughters of Grace). This is the team I will be serving will for the foreseeable future, they are strong women of God and I can’t wait to work and grow with them as the Lord leads and directs our steps!
So now, in the coming weeks, we prepare. There will be lots of prayer, some fundraising, and as much sharing of what God is doing as we possibly can. If you have already made it this far, please continue to follow this adventure. It’s only going to get better from here!
In order to launch in January I do have have have $10,000 raised and we are so close! Thanks to all of those who have already donated and those who continue to pray for myself and my squad. If you feel led to donate, click the donate button at the top of this page, every little bit helps! Also, if you would like to get updates from this blog, click the link that says “follow me” on the left of this page, put in your information and you will get updates every time I post something new on here!
AHHHH! Basically, just SO excited! I have no words. If you want to hear more, know more, or just talk, let’s do this!s
Finally, if you were wondering where these song lyrics came from… Here’s my heart song from training camp.
