The entire squad is reunited and resting close to the beach in Hua Hin, Thailand for FINAL DEBRIEF!!!!!
Kimi petting a pony at the beach
It’s been 11 amazing, difficult, challenging, rewarding, blessed months of travelling across the globe. God only knows how many lives have been changed forever in addition to those of us on I-Squad. It’s been a crazy race…but I know all too well, that it never really ends.
Bit of a recap:
* I am now FULLY FUNDED thanks to all of you wonderful readers, prayer warriors and financial givers. Thanks to you, I no longer carry the burden of raising support after I’ve returned from this trip.
* On my last visit the red light district of Chiang Mai, I was able to share some tearful goodbyes with my new friends at Shamrock Pub. I know in my heart that what our team shared with them has been received and that God is just beginning to reveal Himself in their lives. Although I did not get to say goodbye to Nan, I learned that she decided to travel back to live with her family. God has taken her out of the darkness and I believe He is providing for His daughter in an amazing way. She was a captive and has now been set free!!!
I’m going to miss the many scenic drives I’ve been on
What lies ahead for me:
As of right now, our squad will arrive in LAX on Thursday, April 29th! I’ll be staying with my sister, Damaris, to catch up and get some rest for a couple of days. I get back to the promised land of Texas on May 1st, hehe. I plan on being in the Dallas area for most of May and makin’ a road trip to Georgia to help with the next World Race training camp. I’m really excited about getting to serve, equip, and empower the next squads heading out overseas! It will be interesting to see this fresh army head out into the unknown…having just come off my own adventure. But this will also be a chance to reunite with some squadmates. 🙂
but not gonna lie…kinda ready to empty my backpack for a few weeks
After that I plan to head back to Lubbock. Although God and I haven’t worked out the finer details of my own kingdom dreams, I look forward to serving someone else in their pursuit of theirs for the time being. I honestly have no idea what to expect or what this really looks like. I have a sense that God is moving things around and soon enough I’ll know my role in it. No rush and no worries. He has already been providing me with work, housing, transportation and funds to make the transition smoother. He is blowing me away these days!
Prayer:
My squadmates have become like a second family to me. Although I’m enjoying fun and sun here in Thailand, it’s also an emotional rollercoaster knowing that I’m going to be saying goodbye. I’m excited and ready to see my family and friends back home again, but sad that this chapter is ending as well. We’ve lived and travelled and been through so much with each other 24/7 for almost a whole year. Please pray for all of us during this transition.
After some rest and time with my family, I look forward to sharing more pictures and stories in person. I’ll give updated contact info after I get back.
I’m finishing this race strong, whoo hoo!
-Issa
