hello pals!
I am so sorry that I haven’t posted in over a month… {in the words of Pastor Cole} BUTTT- I would love to do a quick little recap for you!
-We survived our week in Chitwan
-We got to trek over 30km of the Annapurna Circuit
-While on said trek, we got eaten alive by land leeches
-I tried yak cheese spaghetti and it wAS AMAZING
-I stepped on a cockroach and cried for like 20 minutes
-We got to share the gospel with people who were previously unreached, and had never heard of Jesus before
-My team got to drink milk tea sitting literally on top of a mountain, looking out on all the peaks surrounding us
-I had to leave 13 of the most beautiful souls in existence, but we are very thankful for the time we had together, and for God delivering us safely home
I am going to spend the rest of my life remembering and sharing all of the profound things that happened to, and through, my team while we were in Nepal.
One of my favorite things that was said at our training camp was “you will never be able to fully understand a book, until you take time to get to know the author”, and I think this is not only easily applied to the Bible, but also to my trip. SO I would like to take this space to introduce you to the humans who I spent the past month of my life sharing ONE bathroom with! (I will do my very best to be tech-savvy and upload pictures of each!)
Brandee– This gal is one of the most artistic and articulate people I have ever met. Brandee looks at the world in the best possible light, and is so honest and kind that her outlook on life is infectious. She loves the Lord, truly believes in His goodness and His power, and makes sure everyone around her is being their authentic-selves.
Callie– Humble Power. Callie works her booty off running a business at home, and commands respect with just her aura. She may seem shy and quiet, but when she speaks words of life and love into you, you know it comes straight from the Father. Callie emits strength and love in everything she does.
Cheree– what an absolute goon! Cheree is very good at building relationships that are so much more than skin deep. She is the kind of person that is just easily quotable-whether it be for something ridiculous, or ridiculously profound that came out of her mouth! Her light-heartedness is what made immensely long travel days bearable.
Cole– AKA Pastor Cole- the world is this guy’s oyster! Cole shows absolutely no discomfort in doing difficult things. He uses the difficult parts of his life to shed light on all the blessings he has received from God. Cole loves hugs, and rapping with his whole heart. Many smiles were brought to my face from the encouragement, and utter selflessness Cole possesses.
Colleen– WHAT A PAL!!! Colleen brought so much peace and tranquility to our team. She was always there to calm us when plans weren’t going right. Colleen exemplifies how gracious our God is with her ability to share her clothes-and new phrases-with anyone who needs it. In times of trial, Colleen inspires us to just keep going.
Dannah– this girl is absolutely on fire for the Lord. Her faith, and her determination to grow closer to God with each day, is such an inspiration to me. Dannah taught me that while we will never fully understand God, it is still SO important to draw near to Him, because He always has new ways to teach us, and new ways to transform our lives. Dannah’s reckless pursuit of the Lord, and constant desire to grow in Him is what I admire most in her.
Drake– Oh man. Drake is a difficult one for me to describe, because he is such a quiet comfort. He was the one who travelled at the back of the pack, not because he needed to, but because he refused to leave anyone behind. Drake would make sure he was with the ones on our team who were nervie about crossing the street, to bring them peace in knowing he would take a motorcycle-tire to the foot before he would let them hurt us. When Drake speaks, you can physically feel the Father moving through his words.
Drew– Drew has one of the strongest testimonies I have ever heard. His ability to explain all of the things I have been feeling, is so effortless. I admire Drew’s transparency, and how he can SEE who you are on the inside, and not just your outer shell you put up for the world to see. His obedience to the Lord and furthering His kingdom is unmatched by any I know.
Joshua– Joshua is so filled with wisdom and power from the Lord. He physically casts out demons, heals the sick, and mends the broken with the words God gives him. Joshua has completely surrendered himself to the Lord, and is so eager to do His work. His testimony teaches me that when God calls you to do something, you answer. The blessings you receive from obedience are SOOOO worth the struggles you fear may occur.
Kaelyn– this girl’s heart is humongous. She is 110% her authentic self 110% of the time. Kae and Colleen together made for some of the goofiest conversations! She has the ability to draw people out of their comfort zones in a way that makes them feel loved, regardless of if they are nervous about failing. God has opened up some amazing opportunities to and through Kaelyn, and she has touched the lives of many with her laughter, and her honesty.
Katia– a guinea-pig-loving-gal! Katia has been through it. She is such an inspiration, because her testimony tells people “I have been through this. But not alone.” Katia knows she is a treasure. She knows that God made her to stand out. She influences the lives of those around her through sharing parts of herself. Katia has such a servant’s heart, and the obedience to match it.
Kelsey– Kelsey loves so fiercely and so deeply. She is eager to get to know people on a deeper level, and thrives on building solid relationships. Kelsey is full of lots of little nuggets of knowledge, and loves to share them! She is not afraid to share her insecurities, because she knows that vulnerability is how we grow closer to each other, and to God.
Sandra– if you asked this girl for her last dollar, the shirt off her back, or the last bite of her meal, she will give it to you. no questions asked, no grumbling, and no regrets. Her spirit is alive and thriving! God has instilled such peace, such faith, and SO MUCH LOVE into this one body, it’s absolutely incredible. Sandra was the ‘mom’ of our group-always willing to give you a hand, a listening ear, and a hug.
If you have made it this far, I applaud you! Thank you so much for your willingness to hear our stories, and to listen to how God is transforming lives! There are so many things I can’t wait to share with all of you!
All my love,
Grace
