Tess,
Man oh man, what a month it has been without you by my side. I just wanted to write you a letter and tell you how much I’ve missed you. First, I’ll say that I think it’s so cool that our God would allow us to revisit the very country that wrecked us with such a strong love for his people 4 years ago. I’ve had an awesome month with the guys and God has done some really neat things. But I think the coolest thing God has done this month is what He has done in me.
I’ll be honest, I knew for sure that God really wanted us to participate in “Manistry Month” and I even thought I knew the exact reasons as to why. But here we are just a few short days away from this month of ministry coming to an end and I can honestly say I know for sure why He wanted me to do it. This month of separation has built such a strong appreciation for you. My beautiful bride.
So I want to say thank you. Thank you so much for being the bride you promised me to be 3 and half years ago. Thank you for being right there beside me to speak life into me when I’m down and no one else can tell but you. Thank you for grabbing my hands and praying for me during the good times and the bad. Thank you for bringing such joy to my life. Thank you for being there to challenge me to step towards who God is calling me to be each and every day. It’s been really awesome for God to show me the BIG things and even the small things that I take for granted in having a woman of God by my side in this journey. Thank you, Tess, for loving this ole knucklehead that is rough around the edges. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
You’re patient, you’re kind, you’re creative, you’re blissful, you’re passionate, you’re caring, you’re strong, you’re a blessing, you’re a prayer warrior, you’re radiant, you’re beautiful, you’re loyal, you’re a leader, you’re powerful, you’re a Proverbs 31 woman.
As I’m writing this I can’t help but smile at the screen with excitement to reconnect at the end of this month to tackle the rest of what God has for us on “The Race”. But for now, I know that the girls are absolutely loving every minute with you. They are super lucky to have you around.
See you soon Princess.
Love, Justin
So for those that don’t know. The world race gives an incredible 1-month opportunity during the course of this 11-month mission trip called “Manistry Month”. This is a month where all the guys do a month together to build a brotherhood and grow together as men of God, and all the women grow together and pour into each other as well. I personally think it’s a really neat idea. As a married couple, we had the option to opt out and do something different.
TESTIMONY TIME: When Tess and I launched in January, we were dead set on NOT doing “manistry month”. But during month 2 God had clearly spoken to both of us that He wanted us to do it. I didn’t want to do it because I thought, “I’m the husband and I need to protect her.”… Well, I felt God tell me, “I’m the Father, and I will protect my daughter and I want you to trust me to do so.” Tess had also been praying for the opportunity for stronger relationships with other women of God, and what a better opportunity than with all of the amazing women of E-Squad. So we both knew it was God’s desire for us to participate.
LOOKING BACK: It all makes sense now. God has done some incredible things in me and I’m super grateful for a Father that cares about every area of my life, Thank You Lord!
