So, I’ve been back in the States since around Thanksgiving and in that time I’ve gone through quite a few emotions (which is really strange for this typically emotionless person). For about the first month and a half I didn’t want to see people, talk to people, interact on any normal basis…I was just tired of being around people 24/7. My family understood this to a certain extent. I spent several days at my mom’s house, stranded out in the sticks with no vehicle, no money, no desire to do much of anything. I’m not sure what depression feels like because I’m usually a pretty upbeat/positive person, but there was no semblance of that happy person for what seemed like forever. After a while I started helping out with the farming/ranching with the fam. I found some comfort in being around the animals and on the open land. I turned back into a complete country girl…I thought I had lost that girl after living in the “city” for so long, but she came back!! Suddenly, I got this idea that I needed to start making some money because I can’t be in my 30’s living off my mom (even though I think she loved having me depend on her again). I started going back up to Waco to work…I know Waco, Waco is comfortable, it’s safe and I KNOW I can work there and have lots of connections.
Now, while all this is going on I keep having this little thought in the back of my head…something that I’m positive God put in my head back in Macedonia. I’m supposed to move into my mom’s house in Austin that’s been vacant for years and get it fixed up so she can sell it. But, I don’t know anybody in Austin, I don’t have an easy job in Austin, it’s an even bigger city than what I’m used to (and I’m back in country mindset). God started opening doors. I was offered a job in Austin by a trusted friend…available immediately. It’s not my dream job, but it’s available money and it affords me the opportunity to move into this house and pay for utilities!! Woo hoo!! I got really excited about moving to Austin…there’s SO MUCH to do in Austin!
I’ve been in Austin a week, figuring out the now two new jobs (both in the restaurant industry), getting to know the city again, starting to get things in order then BAM…the question comes that I’d been waiting for but I didn’t know I was waiting for it. “Would you be interested in leading a team this summer?” My immediate thought…”Ugghhhh, do I really want to do this again…and so soon?” Just being honest. My response…”Yes, call me with details…” I really had been praying about leading a real life team for a couple of months…random. My conversation with God basically came down to: if you really want me to go, someone will have to ask me…well, apparently He wants me to go…and Robby Riggs knows me well enough to know that if he asks me, I’m probably going to say yes.
So…………I’m leaving June 7 for…wait for it…New Zealand!! Yes, that’s where it all started last year on The World Race and I absolutely loved everything about the country, the people, the culture. From what I’ve gathered so far I will also be working with the same contact I had last year and Rob Namba is AWESOME!!! I don’t know all the details yet, but I know that this is exactly where I’m supposed to be right now doing exactly what God has planned. That’s about as much as I know about my life right now…live in the moment and take on the random things. I heard a sermon this week about wild-eyed wonder and experiencing the fullness of resurrection life and I can’t help but hope that’s just what I’m doing right now. Saying yes to God in the most unlikely situations, being excited about the mystery that is to come. I’ve never been more pumped about NOT knowing!!! I love being a clean slate for God to just really work with…being open to possibilities and not tied down too tightly to anything. Here we come New Zealand…I have no idea who “we” is yet, but you better be ready for us because we are bringing some serious fire with us!!
**If you would like to help support me on this new adventure you can go to the button on the left of this blog to help financially…and of course I always love your prayer support!!
