Hope Blooms Eternal
I have journeyed so far. Literally, over hundreds of thousands of miles & figuratively, through heartache, conflict, growth, and restoration. As I think of all the change the Lord has poured over me in the past year, I continuously hear the words spoken over me before I left: “You are going to grow and learn so much. You won’t come back the same person.”
I thought I was going on this trip to serve the Lord. In reality, he’s been making me fit for his service.*say it again for the people in the back!* His standards and mine are so different. I thought I had to be willing to give up my time. He says, “I want all of you.” I thought he’d be satisfied with a heart bent towards not lashing out in anger. He says, “I want you to seek understanding and reconciliation.” I thought I’d be fine to merely give away the things I don’t need. He says, “Give away all that you have (whether you need it or not) and I will open doors to places you could not even imagine.”
His promises are so good.
I am praying, now, on what to do when I get home.
He has awakened my heart to so much more than I ever thought even existed. I’m not sure which dream to pursue!
But I know he has something. Something good. Something that will stretch me. Something I was born to do. Something in which I will fully BLOOM.
This journey is so beautiful. Words, previously known to me merely by definition, are gaining definition with every passing month and country. Thanks to our tight-knit group we call a “squad”, words such as “vulnerability”, “intimacy”, and “friendship” have new power & dimension. I am awash with understanding, and yet still know so little. Muscle and sinew wrap around and even replace my my skin-and-bones comprehension of these terms.
Words such as EXPOSED and NAKEDNESS were such negative concepts before the Race. Now, I see them as partners to TRUTH and BEING KNOWN. *Side note – these are spiritual concepts. We are not a nudist cult and support culturally appropriate clothing ;)* Being Known is something I have always idolized, along with Respect and Acceptance. My own unholy trinity. In truth, these things, when sought after as the prize, are actually harmful. As I sacrificed myself, I found hurt, rejection, and pain instead of being known, respected, and accepted. THEN, I began seeking after the True Prize – Following Jesus to Knowing the Father. And His Spirit restored to me My Identity, My Honor, and Unconditional Joy; all that I ever needed and more than I could truly ever want.
It’s hard to believe this journey is almost through. But here we are, Month 8. I’ve met people I’ll never forget, seen sights that changed my vision, heard stories that hurt me, and felt loss deeper than I’ve known. Jesus met me in every place. What a joy it all has been! I cannot wait to see these last weeks unfold.
For those that have been following along my journey, THANK YOU. For all the prayers I know went up after my last blog, I needed them. For all the donations that have continued to be contributed, I am blown away by your faithful generosity and humbled by your partnership! Please continue to cover all of us in prayer.
Thank you friends and family for the read. 🙂
I hope to talk to you real soon.
Praises & Updates!
For those of you wondering about my personal journey, I am happy to say I’m back to 100%. (In the allegory nature of my last blog, one could say I have built a Home on this new shore, and am now adventuring around this new territory. I have named the place “God Restores My Joy”.)
I have been talking to an AIM coach who has been counseling me through the grief of losing my grandmother. I know it is a lifelong process, but I have great tools in my belt now.
My team has dwindled down to four “Bloomies”, as Shela has branched off (hehe) to go on a specific Route. Go follow along as she joins a new team!
The remaining bunch: Val, Bre, Allison and I traveled over land and sea for about a week to get to Kzkstan. We partnered with the local body and saw a lot of prayers answered. It was such a wonderful experience. Then we hopped across the southern border to join another part of the body. I’m thriving in my loves for teaching, for middle schoolers, and for college age young adults.
Fundraising!
If you are interested in partnering with my traveling impact overseas, please click on the link at the top of the page to donate. Your prayerful amount will be tax deductible. AND every donation goes towards necessities such as food, travel, or living costs. (Anything past this, such as Azerbaijani Socks, comes from my own expenses. Even though these cultural socks are kind of a necessity.) #shamelessplug Go check them out! 😉
Love you, Fam! Stay Lit.
Matthew 5:14–15
