These past 14 months back in Minnesota have been challenging but yet one of the best experiences in my life. I was never ever ever planning on moving back to Minnesota. I thought I was going to stay in California after I graduated college and start a new life there. However, God had bigger and better plans.
I posted a video in October during training camp that talked about when God gave me a vision to move back to Minnesota. If you haven’t watched it yet, it’s in a previous blog posting titled “StoryTeller Workshop” if you would like to check it out!
Long story short, when I was in Japan in the summer of 2018 on a mission trip God gave me a vision to move back to Minnesota. It was confirmed by my teammate and also by having this indescribable peace that could have only been from the Lord because I did NOT have any desire to move back to MN at all. But the more I kept praying about it and thinking about it, the more I got excited about the idea of moving back there.
Fast forward to when I moved a couple months later, my cousins graciously took me in to help me get on my feet. In those two months I was living with them I got to grow closer to not only them, but also the rest of my dad’s side of the family. Growing up, I would see them only a few times a year for holidays and birthday celebrations, but I never really got to know them until I moved back. Similar thing with my Aunt’s family on my mom’s side. I would only see them for occasions during the year but never to just spend time together over dinner or watching a movie. So since I have been back, I have gotten to do all of those things with them and I am so grateful to have gotten that time with them. Family is one of the most precious gifts God gives us. I have loved every single moment of being close with my family and I want to say a special thank you to all of them for taking me in and helping me feel at home!
Oh the friends I have made! I have never had a real church community/group of friends before this year. God directed me to Substance church and I am so grateful He did! My first time going to the downtown campus, I met a couple where the guy was the older brother from a friend from college in LA, and the girl went to my rival school in CA! I was praying the night before that I would meet really great and authentic people at church and boom I met them. What a small world! They invited me to sit with them and their group of friends and I instantly felt at home. Since then, I have gotten to go camping with them, have game nights together, and also just sit around talking about life. I also joined the coffee team at church where I got to serve alongside super awesome people. And last but not least, I was blessed to have roommates who became like sisters. They are so kind, fun, life giving, and great representations of Godly women. I have learned so much from them and I am going to miss them so much!!
I got my first big girl job while I was back in Minnesota and let me tell you, all my co-workers were amazing! I never thought I would have a job where the people I work with would be like family until I worked at PHS. From the first day I started, they helped me feel included, answered any questions I had, and also took the time to get to know me which I appreciated the most. They all have beautiful hearts and I will miss them dearly!
Without God directing me back to Minnesota, none of this would have ever happened. I love the worship song “defender” and the line that goes, “So much better Your way.” I think that line is so fitting for this! God is incredibly intentional and He knew that this chapter in my life was going to impact me in the best ways. AND as if this last bit of time I have here before I leave wasn’t amazing enough, I have been able to drive to Virginia to visit more of my family I hardly ever get to see as I head down to my parent’s house in Florida! I know this might sound a little cliché, but the more I travel, move, and do missions work, the more I have learned how precious time is with loved ones. I am so very blessed with the people in my life.
For this last month before I launch, I just want to ask for prayer for this transition from the US into the World Race. I am leaving behind a lot of friends and family for a year and it will be hard. But I know I will see them again before I know it. There is sooooo much more I could say about all of these people that I could fill a whole book with amazing stories and memories. You are all amazing I love you all so much!! I can’t wait until I’ll be able to see you all again.
Isabel
