So I recently re-read my FIRST post – not my first blog, but my About Me page.
Here’s what I wrote:
“I believe in timing. I believe in an All-Knowing All-Loving All-Powerful being, who is personal. I believe He put me here for a purpose, and I believe I found that purpose. No – it’s not to travel the world, although that may be a part of it. It’s to love God and people every day, despite and, possibly, because of all the pain and brokenness of this world.”
I read that now and I laugh at my innocence. Not that I was wrong.
I think I could more accurately represent my journey in the following words, taken from my first actual blog, October 28, 2017.
“I expect to see things I would never experience in the States. I anticipate personal struggles and tons of growth. I assume many parts of me will die off and new parts will grow. This is why I’m going. To be trained. To be taught. To become experienced. To do good where good is needed, then to come back and spread the result. It’s time to leave the comfortable culture I was raised in and get some perspective.”
And THEN I wrote: “Picture this trip as the cocoon stage of my grub-ish existence, where I must go off and transform, then migrate back home, come Spring.”
Well. I can confidently say I have started the transformation process. Haven’t we all? He takes us day-by-day. And I have definitely been refined. Partially. Never fully, but upward and onward towards the prize (which is Jesus) until the day I die.
This journey has given me a LOT of perspective that I couldn’t have gained in my US southern bubble.
I now know about the refugee crisis, first hand. I’ve seen believers in countries where their belief is SO strong – despite being beaten MULTIPLE TIMES for their faith – that they won’t stay away from the church, no matter the consequences. I’ve seen dozens of nationalities worship him for hours on end, so hungry for His Presence. I’ve seen His Presence show up! I’ve watched people in pain express SHOCK when the pain miraculously leaves their bodies at the name of Jesus. I’ve seen prayers unanswered for reasons that I will never know this side of Heaven. I’ve painted mugs with human trafficking survivors to help them fundraise. I’ve heard the personal stories of several “workers” living long-term in the 10/40 window, and WOW. Just wow, I am changed by their friendship.
I’ve seen too much gold to express all of the situations that changed my heart, mind, or spirit. But I want to. Maybe one day I’ll write a book. Each of us on M squad has experienced enough to fill a best-seller. Or maybe I’ll just talk about it – share the testimonies. I’m much better at speaking than writing. (Thank you, Toastmasters.)
Regardless of all the things I’ve seen that marked me, my most exciting transformation has been what I’ve discovered about my own heart, passions, and future plans. I cannot wait to see what’s next!!
Fundraising Update:
I only have $3,272 left to by fully funded!! That’s only 8 people donating $400, or 16 people donating $200 as a one-time gift.
A HUGE THANK YOU to all my amazing partners who have already given!!
