Serendipity: [ser-uh n-dip-i-tee] noun. A fortunate accident
A fortunate accident is certainly what it seems.
A fortunate accident that I stumbled upon the World Race.
A fortunate accident that I get to training camp and connect immediately with some of the sweetest girls I have ever met.
A fortunate accident to be part of the chilliest squad on the block.
A fortunate accident to feel right at home with the people on my first ministry team.
While serendipity is a gorgeous word, the Lord has made His voice SO LOUD in my life this week, I have to tell you these happenstances were no accident.
God is blessing me and doing it abundantly. He has put a passion in my heart for this adventure I am preparing to embark upon and He’s the One putting the words on this page right now. In spite of >90 degree temperatures, more sweat than I knew my body was capable of producing, portapotties of death, smells I did not know existed, hiking with our 50lb packs, pushups, squats, lunges, and situps, running (if you know me, you know this is big), buckets of water to constitute “showers”, no mirrors or sinks, no makeup, meals from all over the world (mostly in very meager amounts…yay rice), and countless other experiences far from my realm of comfort, God has led me to the end of training camp with joy abounding. I am left full of motivation for the 11 months to come (and celebration that the past is in the past—interpret however you will).
Throughout worship experiences at camp, we had many opportunities to “practice God’s presence”. During one such occasion, I envisioned myself running to Him on my favorite lake in New Zealand and embracing him with complete abandon. After I was with Him and realized where we were standing, I recommended going back to sit on the bench to talk together. Jesus said “No, this is where we are”. I hesitated and then protested farther, telling Him I was scared and would feel better if we were having this conversation on land. And he looked down at me and scooped me up and promised He would take care of me. He is the best Father!!
Of course, I argued with Jesus! I am crazy. But that makes me know this vision was from Him. He spoke to me and said “Yes, you’re giving up 11 months of your life and jumping out excitedly into the waves with me, but there are times its going to feel scary and times you will long to be back in your domain of comfort. Its in those times that you must remember who is left standing on the water!”
He continued to affirm this truth when apprehension arose as the staff observed our interactions to further divide our group of 37 into teams of 6-7 to live and work with every day. I asked God for peace surrounding the decision and that I would be placed with people who I could be most effective in ministry. I don’t know if you have ever felt prayed for, but it’s a really good feeling. God granted me that peace, and I knew that our whole squad and the staff were all pouring out prayers on behalf of team formation. I would not have put together the combination of people on my first ministry team…ever. In fact, I boldly prayed the names of my “best friends” here and God said “No, my plans for you are better”. And of course, He is always right. I have the most wonderful time enjoying the presence of Jami, Meggie, Mallory, Daniel, Caleb, and Kenneth. I cannot wait to see how He uses us to change hearts and makes our feet beautiful. I pray He gives us so much laughter, a deep respect for one another, a genuine love for each other, and a ministry that we dominate for Him!
God is SO at work and His Holy Spirit is in me. I feel it. And it feels GOOD.
There are so many theological questions that have arisen during my time here and I believe that is a good thing. Paul compliments the Bereans in Acts 17:11 “Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” I feel just like them!
I left training camp having seen God work in ways I was not familiar with, ways that left me hungrier and thirstier for God! Several of my favorite worship songs from camp speak the truths of my heart “I want more and more and more and more of you” “There is no place I’d rather be, than here in your love” “Holy Spirit, you are welcome here”
This is where I am right now.
It could be a fortunate accident that I left training camp full of joy despite subpar living circumstances.
It could be a fortunate accident that my sister and I love the movie Serendipity and have been to the famous restaurant in New York City.
It could be a fortunate accident that I love collecting serendipitous snippets, which I title blessings, in my prayer journal.
It could be a fortunate accident that someone suggested “Serendipity” as our team name.
OR it could be the Holy Spirit.
Some of my favorite ladies
September 2015 Route 2 W Squad that will be accompanying me to all 11 countries
Ministry Team Serendipity who I get to do life with everyday!
