Im on the plane to Quito, Ecuador.
Back in December, I just arrived back into the states after 11 months.
I was busy with one of my sisters wedding, planning a road trip, talking about moving to Atlanta in the spring, and Christmas time with my family and friends.
Another big thing I was excited about was to finally spend some quality time on my drum kit. Not only do I miss practicing (nerdy, but true) Ive missed expanding the knowledge and creativity on the kit, jamming with friends,and having a time with God unlike any other place.
It's a part of me. An expression. A passion. A joy.
In December, Ecuador wasn't really on my radar. Then I got a phone call.
I spent some time on the phone with Greg and Christa, the founders of GO.
I've never met them, but many people I know, including my family, has worked with them.
They asked me about coming to Ecuador for three months starting in March.
I can't really explain it, but I knew deep in my heart that I was going to go immediately. I said I'd get back to them in a week, but I knew my answer.
Crap.
there goes all my plans out the window…again.
The timing in the midst of everything seemed off. What about fundraising? Really…again?
What about the non-profit I feel to start?
What about coming to the states?
What about Atlanta? I've already told people my plans! Now I'm going to look like a flake.
What about my other sisters wedding?
What about my friends and family?
What about drums?
Timing wasn't right, but when is timing ever The PERFECT timing.
All I know is I felt to go. Now.
Not only was timing unexpected, but the people were unexpected as well.
I spent many years in my hometown of Tulsa. When I left for college, I pretty much closed the door there. I felt the door was closed on me, so I closed back. By the time I moved to England, Tulsa was a thing of the past to me.
No hard feelings, I thought, just way back in my past. Not to be opened.
Well, that door is open again by going to Ecuador with this organization originally based in Tulsa.
I've noticed In my life that if I close the door on my own terms, I've shut down something inside my heart that shouldn't be yet.
For whatever reason, the timing is now.
The weeks preparing for this trip has allowed God to take me into more healing and trust through what I claimed a closed door from my past.
I've had great conversations this past month With my family and friends. There is a theme in the conversations of new depths of trust. I see it in so many people's lives. We may need to trust Him in different paths, but we are in this together.
I had dinner the other night with my dear, dear, friend Alexa Cruse (be on the lookout for her new music on Itunes). She is a woman who is walking in complete trust and peace. like always, I was encouraged and challenged that night talking to her and her mother.
So three months later, I am 8 hours away from Ecuador.
A new team, country, and life.
The mission to love remains the same…just outworked a little different.
I don't know yet what my days will be like.
I don't know what's next.
I feel God is taking me into greater depths of what it means to trust Him with everything. Even if I want something as bad as my body wants water, I will choose to trust Him and His timing.
I'm learning to rely on Him more than the ground I walk on. He has never failed.
I lift up my foot for my next step, I can trust Him More than where my foot will land.
Who knows where that will be…but hopefully soon on a nice drum pedal.
I don't need to know my next step or the next several steps.
I need Him. He is with me and Im with Him. And that is peace enough for now and for what lies ahead.
