The past week has been quite different than I anticipated.
“Whirlwind” seems to be a fitting adjective.
I spent Sunday at church and with family, then with dear friends-who-are-family celebrating my godson’s birthday.
Monday and Tuesday I planned on finishing up gathering supplies and spending time with friends as I prepared for Word Race training camp, leaving Michigan for a few weeks beginning on Wednesday.
Well, I did indeed travel on Wednesday.
However, my travels didn’t take me to Training Camp in Georgia, but to India.
Yes, the country.
A week ago today, I got contacted rather late in the evening by leadership at Adventures in Missions. They messaged me, asking if I was available for a phone call and told me to pray first. (Not weighty or intimidating at all. haha…)
As soon as I started praying, I immediately knew in my spirit, “They don’t want me to squad lead in September…” Uncertain about any greater clarity, I messaged them back to let them know I was available for a phone call.
Speaking with the director of the World Race, he let me know that they unexpectedly found themselves in need of a squad leader…for July.
“So, you’ll have tomorrow to get some logistics things together, we’ll get you down to Georgia on Tuesday, and you’ll leave the country for your squad’s month 1 on Wednesday.”
“Wow. Ok. Wow. Well, when do I need to let you know by?”
“As soon as you can…12 hours?”
“Well, I’ll talk to my Father about it, and I’ll let you know what He says.”
And a few hours later, I sent an, “I’m in!” email.
A few hours after that, I was in the slightly confusing process of applying for an Indian visa.
A few hours after that, it was miraculously quickly approved.
Then came the smooth travel to Georgia, meeting my amazing co-leader Kent and the wonderful squad we have the honor of leading and walking with for 5 months, and travel to a nation I’ve longed to set foot in for over 10 years – India.
I could go on and on about how the Lord was sneakily preparing me for leaving two months sooner than I expected all along. And oh, the fullness of His provision in working out details both great and small.
I could go on and on with utter gratitude to my mom and sisters. The ridiculous amount of errands they ran for me on Monday and Tuesday made me so free from stress and gave me everything I needed. Momma, I truly can’t thank you enough for you and Dad raising me to release me. Thank you for teaching me the importance of always being ready, in season and out of season.
To my dear friends, family, and supporters who did not get a planned “farewell,” know that I am so greatly blessed to have your support, and represent you as the hands and feet of King Jesus all around the world.
You are changing that world.
And my world.
And I am truly, deeply, forever grateful.
They don’t want me to begin squad leading in September, because I’m squad leading right now.
From my heart,
Erika Venese Wynne
