What do you do what you can’t see one foot in front of you and God is asking you to take two steps?
Adventures In Missions has worked extremely hard to keep us safe from COVID-19. The decision that was best for us, our families, and for our ministry hosts was that we pack up and head back to our homes. Over the last week AIM went above and beyond to help get 500+ missionaries from the World Race back to America as soon as possible.
I’m in America.
Yes, it’s weird.
On March 13th, the exact half way point of the Race, my squad found out that we would be leaving Africa and coming back to America.Then, less than 17 hours later, we were flying back. No time to think and process. Not time to sleep. No time to plan what’s next. Transitioning into America was going to be hard enough and now the “world is ending” as we’re thrown into the country. Our squad landed in New York and immediately we split up. Some went home and some stayed in New York for that night to spend the morning together. The next day, 5 friends from my squad and I flew to Georgia to stay at Adi’s house. None of us were ready to come home or leave the community we have been surrounded with for the last 5 and 1/2 months. I thank God for these sweet friends that made the transition to America a little more bearable. I wouldn’t have been okay to just come home. We all slept on the floor (on our sleeping pads and sleeping bags) and neglected the opportunity to use the beds available. We loved the thought of keeping part of the “Race life” going. We ate meals together, worshipped together, watched movies together, went on coffee runs together, went to the lake together, and processed what happened over the last few months TOGETHER. And now…I’m home.
Initial Feelings
So many feelings flooded my mind. Sadness that we had to leave a life that became our new normal, our new familiar. We had to leave relationships and friendships we only started to build and were ripped away too soon. Anger towards God because He gave me such peace about the World Race being something He called me to. Confusion about why He would send me back home, back to where I felt my time had expired. Frustration that I have no control over any of this and that I just have to take one step at a time without any vision of what is one foot in front of me.
Current Feelings
I am still unsure what is happening next. Am I staying here? Am I moving? Am I going back out on the field? Do I wait? Do I plan? I know just as many answers as you do about my what’s next. In the next few months Adventures in Missions is going to be updating us with the information that they get. There are so many different factors to look at regarding what is next. It’s the question everyone is wondering and it looks different for everyone. Some Racers were in month 10, some in month 7, some in month 6, some in month 3. So if and when are just a few things that are unknown as far as the Race goes. When I know, I will update everyone with the information.
I just wanted to thank everyone who has supported me at all. Before the Race, during, and now after. Everyone who has financially supported me know that you have helped grow the Kingdom here on Earth. And we aren’t done yet either. I may be home in America, but that doesn’t mean ministry has ended. So thank you endlessly for supporting me and helping me to partner with God in what He did and continues to do in my life.
The only thing to do is trust the God is good. God is before all things and knows all things. He knew everything about every second of our lives from the beginning of time. We have no reason not to TRUST His plans for us. God has purpose for us coming home early. His purpose for our lives is not empty, but filled with intentionality and promise. I shared this a few days ago on Instagram and I just want to share it here.
A few days ago I heard the song “Thank You” by Maverick City Music. I was hooked immediately and cannot stop hitting replay. It’s just so so good. This song is just such a good reminder of what we have to live for. God’s love, grace and goodness are so evident if we just have open eyes to see and open hearts to receive it. A life with God wasn’t meant to be easy and most of the time it’s complicated and frustrating, but what a time to praise him. Amidst the fear of the unknown we should be praising the Lord. Y’all He knows everything, and has known, since before time began. We may not know what is going to happen in 5 years, in a few months, or tomorrow, but God does. If we just sit in His presence and listen to Him speak there shouldn’t be any fear for the future. My plan for the next 6 months didn’t include being home without a bedroom, car, or job, but it was God’s plan to bring me home, along with 500+ missionaries. I’m currently just sitting in my hammock smiling so big because I know that the Lord’s plans for my life are really big and really good. God is just reminding me that He is constantly by my side. So I just want to THANK YOU God for what you have done and what you are doing!
“I’m standing in the promise
Surrounded by your goodness
You’re just getting started
Hallelujah”
So I might not know what is next, but I know that God has some big plans for my life and I’m trusting in Him. I’m sitting with my hands open ready to receive what He has planned for my life. Month 7: America.
Prayer requests:
-For all racers that have had to be taken off the field at this time. That they would each hear the Lord and what He wills for them next. For a smooth transition. For clarity.
-For every family who is being affected by this virus. For the families who have lost loved ones.
-For Adventures in Missions to clearly hear from the Lord and for provision and discernment on what steps to take from here.
-For this world amidst fear and the unknown. The enemy is trying to instill fear into everyone, but God is so much more powerful. Pray for God’s peace, love, goodness and name to spread like wildfire in each and every country, city, town, and home.
With much love,
Kristen
