Hey Everyone,
I just wanted to take some time to update you all on where I am at, both spiritually, physically, and financially right now in life. It's been a little while since I Iast blogged and I'm currently in the process of trying to change that.
One thing I've realized since being here in GA is that I really struggle with Time Management and it's something that I'm trying to become better at, so that I can learn what needs to be important in my life versus what am I actually making important in my life.
Another thing that I'm coming to terms with is that in order to live a support raised life, you need to know "HOW" to Fundraise! I'm not very great with this topic because honestly I struggle with asking people for help with money, I want to be independent and to not feel like I owe you back because you helped me. Don't get me wrong there is absolutely nothing wrong with being independent but as of right now it's not the life that the Lord is currently calling me to live.
Last January I went on my World Race having no earthly idea what it meant to fundraise for my trip, and really I did a pretty poor job at it. But despite that, the Lord used all of YOU to bless and rock my world! You guys gave and loved on me endlessly and one thing the Lord taught me through it was this; That He is the Provider of all of my needs, and sometimes that looks like being supported by others.
I got home from my World Race back in December 2012. I spent about 3 weeks total at my home in Galax, VA before I felt the Lord calling me to attend an Disciple/Apprenticeship called CGA down here in Gainesville, GA with Adventures In Missions (who I did the World Race through).
I am currently in my fourth month of my apprenticeship here in Gainesville, GA and it has been both awesome and incredibly hard. Since I've been here the Lord has used the teachers, mentors, friends, and community that I'm apart of to pour so much love, truth, and life over me, not to mention everything that the Lord is teaching me in my personal day-to-day relationship with Him.
I'm learning what it means to trust Him, as well as the people I live with. I'm learning He loves it when we just " BE" with Him, instead of always trying to " DO" for Him. The "DOING" of things is great and there is a time and place for it, but sometimes we have to learn to just " BE" with Him. I'm learning to trust that He knows what is best for my life, and that He really does have good things in store for me. I'm learning to let go of my expectations and yes even most of my plans, in order to walk out the plans He has for me.
I'm learning to be more truthful with myself, with Him, and with others about everything. It's hard to admit to yourself when your not good at something, it's even harder to admit that to someone else. I'm learning that although it's Hard to CHANGE the way you Think or have Done something for most of your life, it IS possible to change those ideas.
I'm learning to find my worth in the Lord and not in what myself, satan, or those around me say. I'm learning to discern between the facts and the truth of my character, my abilities, my life. I'm learning to allow the Lord to bring restoration to past relationships, and to know that its ok to take it slow in that restoration. I'm learning to be honest with others when I have a need, despite how much more I want to be independent.
These are some very hard lessons to learn, and sometimes I quite frequently have a hard time accepting them. But praise Jesus that He is Patient and Loving no matter how much I fight Him on things. 🙂
I wrote this blog to let you know how I was doing spiritually, physically, and financially. I feel all that has been previously mentioned has covered my current spiritual growth and so I will go into how I'm doing physicially.
Honestly my health has been on a bit of a roaller coaster since arriving here. I've dealt with many things from parasites (leftover from my race), to a new allergy to dairy products, to some depth perception problems, and some other sypmtoms that may be due to a blood sugar problem. These have added a bit to the stress of living in a new place with no insuarnce, or money for a doctors visit. Plus with my new diet restrictions it's a bit more expensive to eat.
Financially things are not going as well as I hoped they would. THIS is where my learning to be honest when I have a need, lesson comes in.
Attending this CGA Apprenticeship has a monthly cost. Back in January when it first started I commited to 8 months which brings the tuition to $450 a month. I applied fully believing that the Lord would provide, and that's something I still believe to this day despite the fact that the first four months that I've been here I've had not one bit of support. In order for me to live here for the remaining four months that I commited to I need to raise the 1,800 that I owe for the past four months, plus $1,800 for the final four to come. That would be a total of $3,600 which covers food, living expenses, gas money, etc. etc.
This is hard for me to talk about because in all honesty I feel like I just got back from the race and now the Lord wants me to ask for your help again. I have thought about going back home and getting a job but have no peace about leaving, becaues I know this is where He wants to be currently. I've also looked into getting a job this summer here in GA, but with no means of trasportation and still having to maintain a work schedule with AIM it looks fairly unlikely as of right now.
I'm not going to ask you for money, I'm not going to come up with a support me with $22 for my 22nd Birthday like I thought about doing. Instead all I'm going to ask of you is that you would spend time in prayer and do whatever the Lord tells you in that time. Also that you would be in prayer for me as I figure out my next move.
Thanks for taking the time to read this. I love each and everyone of you very much! 🙂
