So now that I am finishing the race many of you have been wondering “what is that crazy girl going to do next??” (your words, not mine)
Trust me when I say I’ve been wondering too!
It’s been a tricky balance to stay present in my last few months and weeks of the race but also start investigating what could be next!
Sooooo, I guess rather than draw it out….
A few months ago, I applied to a leadership and discipleship school called G42 and was accepted! I wasn’t quite ready to share this new with the world yet but now I can excitedly tell you that this school is in……
MIJAS, SPAIN!!!!
So, this is just a quick update into where I am at with this whole thing!
A little back story first:
-Back in high school, I had this dream for a long time of going to a discipleship and ministry school somewhere abroad. I never really knew what that would look like or even had an idea into such a place. It was just a desire in my heart! Fast forward, I spent 5 years at the University of New Mexico, earning my degree in Elementary Education and Language Arts. I spent time in ministry and on mission trips for the last 11 years and after graduating, ended up in this fine place, writing you from my 11th month on the World Race! Crazy right!?
Well back in month 7 debrief in Tallinn, Estonia, I learned more of this thing called G42. I had heard of it and spoke with one of my Alumni Squad Leaders about it back in month 3 during a leadership development weekend I had just spoken at in South Africa, but suddenly, it was presented again at debrief moth 7 when a guy from G42 came to our debrief to hang out with us and pour into us. The idea of it started swimming around in my heart more and more but sort of petered out over the next few months as I decided to keep my eyes focused on finishing the race well. But as things are closing, it came back up! I started to really dive into why I was drawn to G42, what it could look like for post race life, and if it was truly an option worth pursuing.
I have really struggled with writing this announcement for two reasons:
One, because it means that the season of the race is closing out and new ones are budding. To be honest, so much of me doesn’t know how to leave something as insane and life changing as the race, but the other part of me knows that the race was merely just the beginning. One of the biggest lessons the Lord taught me on the race, starting all the way back in training camp and carrying through each and every month of the race is the simple truth that He whispered in me ear; “There is more”. There is so much more. In every capacity you could think. Standards of relationships, my walk with him, adventure, faith building, trusting, falling in love with Him, friendships, lessons, challenges, intimacy, growth….the list goes on and on. There. Is. More.
The second is because I have truthfully struggled with making this decision for a few months. I have been battling out my will over God’s, processing what it would look like and feel like to have to fundraise and trust in that capacity again (which partly makes me cringe and partly gets me excited to see what He does again), and if G42 would be a place where I could step into the next season and develop the skills I desire to continue diligently walking in the calling the Lord has for me. Ultimately, over lots of prayer, processing, arguing, talking with some of my squadmates, mentors, and family, I have chosen to step into the acceptance at G42 and pursue the October semester of 2016.
So what exactly is G42??
G42 is a 6 month program where class time throughout the week collides heavily with intensive community and discipleship. Their vision is simple: “First and foremost, to make disciples and disciple makers.” On their website they outline that their ultimate vision is to “gather, train, and send out a multigenerational generation of Christ-centered leaders who influence poverty-stricken communities, regions, and nations to operate past their potential as heirs to the Kingdom of God. G42 Leaders will rise up to become men and women who can operate in multiple environments to create sustainable ventures and direction for those who have lost hope or been bound in slavery to the world.” Basically, they are established to equip and train individuals to step out in their specific callings and gifts, help them dream with the Lord about how to impact this world for the kingdom, and then step out in faith to live in such capacities. To read more, see pictures and videos, and learn about G42 check out their website at www.g42leadershipacademy.org.
Like I said, I was accepted for the October 2016 semester which would essentially give me 11 months at home (ironic because I’m just coming off of an 11 month mission trip) before leaving to live in Spain for 6 months. I have a $500 deposit due within the month I get back to the states to reserve my spot in that semester, as G42 is competitive and fills up quickly. Then $3,800 of the cost for the semester is due before I leave and the rest ($6,800 total) is due throughout my time there. Here is the breakdown:
-$6,800 is the total
-We buy our own plane ticket to get there and back at the end of the semester (not included in the total)
-Practicum: A time in the middle of the semester where they send us to a random country with an envelope for a mission we are to complete in that country. The amount of money I raise on top of the $6,800 is what is used for this practicum and will therefore determine where they send me, what I need to do, and how long I will be there.
-Any spending additional to my time living there is on me to raise as well.
To partner with me on the $500 deposit due by the first week in December, the money will have to go through my personal PayPal (PayPal email to [email protected]) which unfortunately is not tax deductible. However, once the deposit is paid and my spot is reserved, donations can be made through the g42 website on my behalf for tax deductible donations. (g42leadershipacademy.org)
While the details of what life will look like in between are still up in the air, I plan on resting, working and building my savings back up to contribute to my expenses at G42, and stepping back into ministry in and around my community.
Along with all of that, one of my biggest priorities is YOU ALL!!
YOU who are my biggest supporters. YOU who have sent encouraging messages and letters. YOU who have listened to me weep through hard times, laugh in joy and celebration. YOU who sacrificed to be a part of this journey with me. YOU who are curious about this insane adventure I was honored to live in for the last year.
That means coffee dates, sleep overs, mini-friendcations, skype dates, and a few small presentation/recap parties!
Please don’t hesitate to message me and meet up! It might take me a couple weeks to get my bearings but one of the things I am most excited about is sharing this incredible experience with anyone who is a part of it or wants to partake in it! So please! Contact me!
I have so, so, so much more to say but I suppose this is a good start for this new season in my life! If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to check out G42’s website or email me with questions at [email protected].
SO!
