I flew back into the States from Spain on June 20th. On June 21st, I was in a car accident – the car was totaled and both the driver and I were taken by ambulance to the hospital. I’d never been in a car accident before and I didn’t think it would affect me. Little did I know the trauma the body absorbs from such an event. I went to the hospital and they cleared me, saying I had a lower back strain, but all damage was soft tissue – just some scrapes and bruises.
I woke up the next day sore, but optimistic. Later that week, I headed down to Georgia for training camp to squad lead for World Race Gap Year.
Training camp was emotionally and spiritually the most stretching and exhausting ten days of my life – and it was INCREDIBLE! The Lord showed up in big ways and I got to see a group of radical Jesus followers walk into deeper revelation of freedom and the Father’s love for them. The Lord expanded my own capacities and I walked away loving my co-leaders and 45 squamates more than I even knew was possible.
I flew back to Missouri to spend time with friends and family before launch in September. By this point, the pain from the accident was continually getting worse. I got into a chiropractor as soon as I could and after a full assessment, he said it would be incredibly unwise to go lead a backpacking missions trip over seas for nine months right now. I walked away devastated because I already knew that what he was saying was true – my body is physically not capable of the demands of the WR right now. I had to announce to my squad that I wouldn’t be able to launch with them in September. It was the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make and I am still grieving it. I will be taking this next, indefinite season to focus on getting my body recovered from the accident and healthier than ever.
Through it all, the Lord has given me the beautiful gift of peace and I see His hand at work. I thought squad leading looked like nine months out on the field – the Lord knew that it looked like ten days in Georgia (Proverbs 16:9). I am so thankful for the opportunity to have met Gap K Squad!
Gap K, I love ya’ll like crazy and I am thankful for God allowing me to be a part of your journey. I know ya’ll are going to walk in such great freedom and love these next nine months. Stay humble; stay teachable. Let the Lord love you; love Him back; learn to love yourself; and, out of an overflow, love the heck out of the people around you! I am cheering you on from the sidelines. I’m proud of ya’ll and I love you all big!
