We all have plans for our lives. One of the first huge decisions I ever made was to move to Los Angeles for college. I thought working in the fashion industry was going to be my future. I had visions of a high paying design job, a smokin’ hot husband (preferably a celebrity), a huge house, nice cars, a couple of kids, a dog. Just what every girl is supposed to dream of. After graduating from school and landing my first “real” job I thought that this is where my life starts. I was unhappy most of the time and my relationship with God wasn’t important to me, but all that was insignificant to what my glamorous new life would bring. But God had a different plan for my future. During my time in LA I made some bad decisions, I was mostly only interested in myself and my love for earthly and materialistic things seemed to spiral out of control. Eventually my relationship with God was renewed and he welcomed me back with open arms. After much prayer and guidance from God I decided to move back to my home town of Byron Center, MI. I knew right away that it was one of the best decisions I had ever made, mainly because God was at the center of it.
When I came home I had no idea what God wanted me to do next. For months I was debating on going back to school or going on a mission trip. Nothing really seemed to fit until I got an email about The World Race. I stayed up all night watching videos and reading blogs and I felt that God was calling me to serve him through The World Race. I immediately applied in May. I interviewed and was accepted to launch in January 2014. I started all of my preparations. I sent out letters, bought travel gear and prayed continuously about my journey. I thought I was doing all of the things that I needed to do. But 2 weeks before training campeverything changed. The World Race needed me to change routes, from January to July. After much thought and prayer I decided that leaving in July would be the best thing for me. Even thought I may have thought that I was ready, I am not truly ready in God’s eyes. I am not who God wants me to be yet. I am meant to change and grow as a person to be fully prepared to enter the World Race and that can’t be accomplished in a few months.
During my preparation for the World Race Bible verses kept coming at me telling me to wait, to find strength in God, to be patient. I thought God was just telling me to be patient throughout the months that were ahead of January. I never thought about the fact that God was guiding me in a different direction.
I cannot begin to describe how thankful I am for all of the support you all have given me. I believe in my heart that this is the best decision. My journey is not over, it has just begun. Will you continue to run this race it with me?
Here are just a few things that I will be able to do now that I’m leaving in July:
I will build a more intimate and dependent relationship with God.
My newly cut bangs with grow out.
I will be able to pay more money off of my student loan.
I will have more time to raise money for the World Race.
I will be able to attend the Faber/Westhouse wedding.
Driven Communities 2014!
I will be able to camp at the Conference Grounds.
I will be able to continue my education by taking a few classes at GRCC.
And most importantly, I will be able to spend more time with the people that I love.
P.S. I will be taking a little hiatus from my blog. If you have any questions or prayer requests or you would just like to talk, please email me at [email protected] I would love to hear from you!
“For there is a time and a way for everything, although man’s trouble lies heavy on him.“
Ecclesiastes 8:6
