Hello everyone!
Wow it has been a crazy year. Going from thinking I would be out of the country until right around now to being sent home in March, going through quarantine, entering in a time of isolation from people and community, starting a life in a new state, starting a new job, things starting to fall into place with going back to school next year, and now all of the sudden things are changing a little bit again. (But it’s really exciting!)
Let me start by taking you back to May and June of this year when I had updated you guys on my journey and how God was telling me to let the World Race go. When I first came back to the states I believed it was temporary and that I would re-launch again in a few months or at some point. I didn’t think I was done with the Race. I had raised all the money, I had been praying about it, I had been waiting for years for this to happen, and I knew God wouldn’t let me down and take it from me… right?
After sitting with God over the course of many hours, days, and weeks, He started to show me that I needed to let it go. There was a moment one day when I was home alone in May (the Race was not on my brain at all that day) worshipping to music as I was doing the dishes and I felt prompted to go into my room. When I got there I looked at my dresser and on it was a painting my team leader painted for me back in Malaysia (probably 3 months prior to that moment). It was a painting of me as a little girl in a field of grass letting a balloon go. When my team leader gave it to me she told me it was a vision God gave to her to give to me. At the moment I had zero idea what it meant. I thought maybe it had to do with a burden I had been carrying or a lie I had believed that I needed to let go of (you know, Christian things). But in that moment months later in my room on the other side of the world, the Holy Spirit made it so crystal clear to me that the balloon was the World Race and I was meant to let it go. I then started to cry and cry and somehow wrap my mind around what was happening. But I chose to trust Him and had probably one of the most life changing conversations with Him that day. In that room I was given a promise, direction on what to do with my left over funds, and the peace that only the Lord gives you when you are following in what He has called you to do. It was hard for a bit there, but once I was reminded that He had it all worked out, I was okay with it and I knew He would provide for me in the future.
So, with all that being said, let me tell you about the last two weeks of my life. It was a Wednesday afternoon and I had just started my lunch break at work. I went to check my phone for an email from my advisor because I am in the process of getting into a program, and I saw a message from my mentor sent to our world race squad group chat about needing a couple of girls willing to lead a semesters squad in January. Now, up until this point I never thought I would be going back out on the field with the World Race because of what I told you guys above. But when I read this message, my heart and spirit just soared and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. All of the sudden I had this feeling inside me telling me to reach out and to get more information. Long story short, after talking with the program director a couple of times, going through an application and interview process, receiving the most kind and encouraging words from my previous squad leader, mentor, and my coach, and lots and lots of prayer, I have been chosen to be a squad leader for a semester’s trip in January!
It’s so crazy how all of this happened so fast that I couldn’t help but wonder if this was really from God or if it’s just my flesh wanting an adventure. I talked with several people about it and they all affirmed that they have a peace about it. I sure didn’t at first. I was STRESSING. All the things that had stressed me out about my first time leaving came back but even worse because of being in a leadership position this time. Like what if I fail or what if they don’t like me or what if I am taking the place of someone who can lead them better? And to put a cherry on top of all this, I tested positive for COVID so I have had zero energy to really feel anything let alone fight spiritual warfare. The enemy was hitting me hard with all the doubt, but I prayed that night before bed asking God to speak into my identity and to fill me with His peace and His thoughts about me. I also wanted clarity if I should really be doing this and guys… I cannot express how much peace and joy I have about this! God works in crazy awesome ways.
We will be going to South America for 3 months! It sounds like we may be in Ecuador for the full three months depending on safety of travelling and hosts willing to take us in. The types of ministry we could be working with are: youth ministry, feeding program, teaching English, and special needs ministry.
And with that… I will need to fundraise again. A huge reason why I shared the story above was for you guys to know when I had to “let go” of the Race, that meant I had to tell my mentor who had to shut down my account which also meant I would not be able to use my funds later on down the road. That’s also why it was so very hard. It was a complete surrender and I knew in my heart and still know that God wanted me to do that when I did. Whether it was to see if I would obey, to teach me something, or to simply show me how good He is, I don’t know (even though those may all be true). But I can’t help but believe He is saying to me now, “Watch Me do it again.” And I cannot wait to see how He does it this time!
He really does love to write beautiful stories.
So I am officially beginning my fundraising again! Woo!! I will need to raise $3,000 preferably by the middle of January. If you feel led, this page is open again to donate which will go to my new goal. Or, you can give via other ways:
Venmo: @isabelharrison
Cashapp: $IsabelHarrison
Paypal: (please ask for email if you need it 🙂 )
Facebook: Isabel Harrison
Also, I would love prayer regarding this trip, the squad I will be going with, and for my health right now as I am getting through this COVID virus. It’s no joke. It’s awful and I am praying this stops spreading around our world.
If you have gotten this far, thank you for reading this and for being a huge support!
I will be updating you guys again soon.
Love, Isabel
