The beginning of this month marked a year since my beloved S Squad returned to the states from our crazy, beautiful adventure. Much has happened since then; here it is in a nutshell.
3 days after landing back in New York, I had a phone interview with a school in Arizona. At the end of the half hour phone call, the principals said “We’re going to go ahead and offer you the position!” and I cried because I was so completely overwhelmed, and not sure I was ready for this. A few weeks later, I packed up all 6 of my belongings into my 2 door Civic and road tripped with my mom and sister out to Phoenix. New venture: teach high school sports medicine.
Things were rough. I was lonely, desperately needing and wanting community like I had on the race. My job was hard- like I wanted to quit everyday hard. I church shopped like a pro, and found that community was not something that was just going to fall in my lap (yet!)
Even with a cross country move, and culture shock, and all the things that come with attempting to readjust to America, the most difficult part of being home was missing the structure of life on the Race. I missed waking up and having quiet time on a porch with instant coffee, meeting for team time, spending time in worship with my brothers and sisters every single day. I really missed feeling like my work was valuable, like my whole life was ministry.
It took me a while, but I began to learn that my work was valuable, and if I chose to- I could make my whole life ministry. I started to realize that God had entrusted my students to me, and that I was in a position to build relationships with them and hopefully have a positive impact on their lives, regardless of our rocky start and their passionate dislike for me in the beginning of the year!
About 4 months ago, I googled churches in downtown Phoenix. I had been attending one for a few months, but just wasn’t finding the community I needed. New City Church popped up on my search and it looked worth a shot. So I attended the next Sunday, and was immediately taken with the awesome, intentional community of people there. I began volunteering, and am now working under one of my pastors, with new people. My heart is to never let anyone slip through the cracks, to love them deeply right away, and help them find their place in our community- just like I was loved and lead. I have friends, a community group, a mentor, and amazing leaders in my life- I am beyond thankful for this.
At the end of May, I wrapped up my first (and last) year of teaching. My school offered me a contract to continue teaching next year, however I made the decision to retire 🙂 I am currently looking for the next step, and praying for wisdom in my decision making.
A few weeks ago, AIM (the organization that runs the World Race) presented me with an opportunity to lead an Ambassador Trip; so in about 2 weeks, I will head to Gainesville and meet the high school aged students I will be leading on a two week mission trip to Puerto Rico. At first, I was like “weelllll… I don’t have a job, I need to be responsible in looking for one etc,” and then it hit me- I don’t have a job! What better timing than now?!
I am so excited for this opportunity; the refreshment that it will surely bring, and the venue to use the skills God equipped me and prepared me with over this last year while interacting with my students daily. I can’t wait to see how He grows and opens the eyes and heart of each of the people on the trip, as well as myself. I am so excited to see the sweet way that He will break chains, grant freedom, heal hearts, and stretch minds over this two weeks.
I cannot believe that I have been back for a year, and cannot believe the ache of missing life on the Race and the people I did it with. Thanks for reading 🙂
I need to raise $645 to cover the cost of the two weeks (includes all lodging, food, travel expenses, and medical insurance) and an additional $400 for my ticket to Atlanta. If you feel led to support me, you can use the link on my blog that says ‘Support Me’ or for information about sending me money to help cover the cost of my ticket to Atlanta feel free to comment, message, email, or call me and I will get you whatever information necessary 🙂 Additionally, if you would join me in prayer over this trip and over each of the students going, I would greatly appreciate it.
