What Happened This Year?

That is a really good question and one that I’ve been trying to answer the last week! I am officially done with ministry in Lira, Uganda and am now in Jinja, Uganda with my squad for our final debrief. We are blessed to be staying in a bungalow right on the Nile river! We have hot running water, comfy beds and really good food! I couldn’t be more thankful.

The point of this week is to reflect on the last year and try to articulate some words for the incredible adventure we’ve all just gone on. My emotions are all over the place. Sometimes I’m laughing, other times I’m crying. What has been the hardest and most challenging event of my life, has also been the most beautiful and fulfilling.

The most simple way to explain what happened in me the last year is found in scripture. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

I feel like a completely different person today, than I did a year ago when I left. After sitting in much brokenness, I learned what true dependence on the Lord looked and felt like. My mind now runs to truth instead of lies and that has attributed to much more peace than anxiety!

I’ve seen people who are living in unbelievably hard circumstances carry exceedingly more love than some who have all they could want in this world. That right there is a testimony to the power of Jesus Christ.

I thought I was taking a ‘gap year’ in my life to travel and help people. What ended up happening was a year of humble service that helped me more way than I thought possible.

I had previously planned to come home and immediately start a career and gain monetary success. I hoped to get married soon and begin that phase of my life. I now can’t be more excited to spend some quality time with my family in East Lansing, my people on Mackinac Island and whatever else God has for me! I have never been truly content and happy to be single, and am really enjoying that feeling!

I have no idea what kind of picture the Lord will paint on the canvas of my life, but I’m already praising Him for it.

I couldn’t have completed this journey without the love, support and so many prayers from all of my people around the world. I’m eternally grateful for everything and everyone in my life. All the glory up.