For the first time in a while I have a moment of silence… I often reflect upon everything that has happened – but it is rare when I have time to express or share those feelings.
If you know me in real life, then you probably know how fast paced I tend to function at.
But God has a funny way of putting His foot down every now and then.
Today was one of those times.
I am currently traveling to California to visit a good friend of mine before I leave the Country and through a series of unfortunate events.… I have a very unnecessary 6-hour layover. I was not happy at first. I have gotten little sleep, I have been traveling for days, and after an early morning flight… all I wanted was a shower. So in my mind I wanted one of two things.
1) to leave the airport during my very unnecessary layover or 2) to move to an earlier flight
But it turns out that none of those options were feasible… so here I am …. ENJOYING IT
Isn’t it funny how God always knows what we need? He is constantly showing me that I often put my “wants” before my needs.
So I found a quiet corner and have been reflecting on everything. How this will soon be a normal occurrence for me. I should get used to lack of showers and long travel days. I recently had to answer the question “what constitutes a perfect day for you?” and my answer was any day that the Lord has given me. But especially the days that I have time, (the internet because it is a great resource), and my Bible when I can just dig in and not have any other distractions or commitments. So isn’t today a perfect day? This layover? Quiet time. Distraction free.
But today I realized how lucky I am to have this layover.
I have a chance to share something that has been on my heart for a while.
For the longest time I dreaded fundraising. Who wants to ask for money? I always saw it as a chore and almost a burden. In addition to over committing myself time-wise, I also struggle with surrendering control. And because of that, I do not like to ask for things. I LOVE giving, but I’m not so great when the tables are turned. But through the beautiful process of fundraising I have learned pretty quickly that this is not about me.
It has been a humbling experience, but mainly a blessing. I have seen more of Christ during the last 6 months than I have in my entire life. New friendships and relationships have blossomed because of it. I have had to walk BOLDLY in faith, and people have noticed that. Which has allowed some life changing and eye opening conversations to start that otherwise would have never happened. I have been knocked down and discouraged… leaving me no option but to surrender to God and seek His provision. I have also been humbled beyond belief… rendering me speechless and in awe of His provision through His people. It is a beautiful experience to see people you love and strangers you do not even know come together to further the Kingdom and bring action to their faith. It is a privilege to have people join me on this journey, and I need my donors to know just how highly I regard their partnership.
From the beginning of this journey until now God has used His people to change me. I can think of so many people that have prayed for me, sacrificed time, talent, resources, energy, and money towards my mission trip. I will never have words to express the impact you have made and will continue to make, not just on me, but on the world. With the most genuine and utmost gratitude I want to let every single one of you know just how thankful I am… Here I am, you are sending me, and I am honored to be able to serve. Thank you for turning my burdens into blessings.
Next stop.. Launch!
