It’s been two months since I’ve returned to the good ole U.S. of A. (Which is weird to think that this is the longest I’ve been in one place since leaving last September!) I have hugged my family over and over, seen my friends as much as I can, and have done my best to not take my fluffy bed for granted. It’s been a wonderful time to catch up, hear about their lives, and to share my stories and show what God has done in my life over the past year.
What am I doing now?
I am living at home back in Indianapolis. I am working as an in-home caregiver for the elderly with Alzheimer’s and other disabilities, and have also applied to be a substitute teacher/paraprofessional. I’m soaking in my family and friends as much as I can before I walk into what the Lord has next for me and I’m extremely thankful for the time to rekindle and dwell in these relationships in between.
In fact, I have been enjoying home a bit too much – not in a negative tone, but attempting to allow the novelty of home to silence God’s voice. I attended two conferences last month, one at the AIM base in Gainesville and Joyce Meyer’s in St. Louis, and God has made it very clear on what He wants me to do.
What’s next?
I am thrilled to announce in January 2017, just another short three months, I will be launching with a brand new World Race squad to be their alumni leader for five months! I head to my training camp to meet my leadership team and new squad in just 9 days, and I can’t wait!
As a squad leader, I will be the voice of experience, a guide to God’s will, and a discipler to new Racers! I will walk alongside my squad as they walk through all the gritty, hard, but beautiful things I went through on my Race too. My role is to push them to the Lord in all areas as they deal with unforgiveness, loneliness, anger, and reaching freedom. In addition, I get to continue following God’s plan for me in being a missionary.
Since returning home, I can’t stop thinking about all the people I met, served, and worked alongside during my year in Asia. I miss my days serving at Roundabout to grow profit for babies dying of leukemia, baptizing new believers in our bathtubs, and mentoring the youth in Japan. My heart still burns with pain for the women in Nepal, Thailand, Indonesia, all over the world who are forced to be purchased goods in the bars and streets. I miss my days spent at the foster homes in India getting to tutor and love on my babies and girls who are waiting for forever homes who can cater to their special needs. I can’t wait to get back to oppressed places like Malaysia and Vietnam who aren’t allowed to declare their love of God and whose people feel so alone. I hope for more days in the classroom to teach and mentor the kids who just need a friend. And I miss living in such simplicity among those who have no way out, but still have joy despite their circumstances. I even miss the heat some days.
God put squad leading onto my heart in December. I went back and forth on it for months weighing the pros and cons, but mostly letting my doubts and fears speak for me. Well, after a great effort to find a better (cough, safer, cough) route, I took the plunge to apply for squad leading. And after walking in obedience, I am elated and comforted to be following God’s purpose for my life: to build God’s kingdom and invest into people’s souls; to disciple others and turn them to God, to help people love themselves and see themselves as God sees them.
What can you do?
1. PRAY, PRAY, PRAY. Prayer is the most important thing you can do for me! Pray I will continue to listen to God and follow His desires. Pray for my safety and the squad’s. Pray I hear and speak God’s wisdom. Pray I reach my financial deadlines so I can continue to do all these things!
2. Donate! In order to launch with my squad, travel, and live with them, I must raise $6500. This covers my five months of living out on the field, in addition to flying back out every few months to squad debriefs. Please prayerfully consider donating to me or spreading the word to those you think would be interested in supporting me!
Thank you all for supporting me in the experience of a lifetime. Because of you, I was able to live out my life’s dream, literally walk in God’s will for my life, and discover my purpose in this world. I love you all and God bless! 🙂
