With a one-way ticket in hand, I took my seat on the shuttle.
The hour long drive to the airport felt like days.
The three-hour flight was as slow as a turtle crossing the street.
The drive to northern GA seemed to take a century.
The thoughts, questions, and prayers running through my mind were endless during this journey.
Less than 24 hours ago, I was living my life in Guatemala. Now I’m in GA with no one to hang out with (since no one knew I was home) and no where to go (because I didn’t have a car).”
What will I tell people if they ask why I’m here? How long am I going to be here?
Papa, I need you more than ever! I want the freedom, but I’m scared! What does my time here look like?
By His grace, I slept peacefully in Athens the first night.
The next day I headed home to Gainesville. There, for the first time in 48 hours, I processed what had just happened.
I JOURNALED. I CRIED. I TALKED. I READ. I LISTENED. I PRAYED.
And the Lord spoke…
He took me back to the beginning. He began revealing roots of insecurity, mistrust, and lies…
…And He opened my eyes to a new depth of his love.
“As a lily among thorns, so is my love among the young women…” Song of Sol 2:2
“How beautiful you are my darling, how beautiful you are…” Song of Sol 4:1
He was calling me to a deeper intimacy. He was calling me into his arms. He was calling me to more of Him.
I spent three days in Gainesville seeking Him more.
Then, Monday morning came quicker than I expected.
With my heart postured towards Him, I traveled to the woods with 60 other people.
Not only was I about to embark on a crazy spiritual journey, but also this was my first time camping in the woods, digging latrines, avoiding bears, and cooking over an open fire! If the spiritual didn’t break me, maybe the physical would.
“WHAT WAS I GETTING MYSELF INTO?” Everything inside of me screamed!
The Lord brought peace to my soul by saying, “It’s ok. I’m with you.”
….PART 3 coming your way soon…
