I woke up @ 2am this morning to gather allllll my things (a backpack haha) to begin the first of many long travel days!
Phoenix, AZ – Atlanta, GA – Chicago, IL – Tokyo, JP – Jakarta, ID – ( 33hr bus ride to Bali, ID… 🙂 )
I figured I’d fill you all in with a “here’s where I’m at” post.. even though I don’t even reallyyyy know. Almost everyone has asked me some version of this question:
“why?? what are you hoping to get out of this? what do you want this next year to look like?”
It’s a fair question & I’d probably ask someone too if they were leaving all of their friends, family, comfort, easy-living, sweet life. I struggle with this question because I don’t think I really have an answer. Or maybe my answer is just so simple, I can’t put it into words? Or maybe it’s so far from simple that words aren’t enough? gosh. Haha, idk people!!!
BUT I will do my best. I might just have to word vomit here to get my thoughts across because they’re honestly all over the place. maybeeee I should have processed this before typing? I feel like any time I try to, I end in the same spot anyway, so maybe just take this as raw authenticity 🙂
I literally have NO idea what I am going to experience this next year. I have no expectations. I am almost clueless. God is so big. I can only assume that any expectations I have will either be completely changed or so blown out of the water. Orrr both
I hope & pray to see God in the fullness of all He is. To fall deeply in love with Him & his character. To witness the depths of his love for all of his people. To be changed. If I can learn how to completely surrender & trust all that I am to the God that calls us his beloved, cherished, desired, beautiful, worthy & chosen children, THAT would be so sweet. If you want to pray that for me, I’d be really grateful. I will also be praying that for anyone reading this or following me, that whether through me & my journey away or in your own journey at home, you experience the depths of Jesus’ love & that it changes you. I hope for the lives of people living throughout the world to experience real hope & love. Maybe for the first time. I hope for so many seeds to be planted & so many lives to be changed forever. I so deeply hope & pray that the 1.. or 2 or 3 orrr limitless number of people who need to experience freedom this year, do. God is so good. So capable. So much bigger than my brain is able to comprehending.
JOHN 10:10-11 says – “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
I am so excited to see the life Jesus desires for us in action. Life & life abundantly. For me & you & all the nations!
That is what I hope to get out of this & that’s why I’m going & what I want this year to look like. Maybe my “this is what I got out of this year” blog will say way different things in 11 months from now, but despite what happens, God will do good works & He will still be good.
Thanks!
Much love!
Xoxo!
Samantha
See ya in a quick 11!
