“You will never be completely at home again because a part of your heart will
always be elsewhere. That is the price you pay for the richness of
knowing and loving people in more than one place.”
This quote has hit home more than any other over the past month of being home. My heart is full of gladness to be with my family, and at the same time my heart feels the pain of leaving behind those I feel in love with on the field. Due to the life I have decided to lead, I have left my heart scattered all over the nations. At times it is painful, but I wouldn’t ask for any other life. I am beyond honored and completely humbled that God chose to use me in the way He has.
It would take hundreds of blogs for me to put into words everything I experienced on the race. But one thing I can say for sure is that God touched my heart in a way I could never have expected and I would never trade for anything. He set me free, changed my perspective and broke my heart for the lost in a fresh and new way. From the colors of India, the churches of Europe, the faces of Africa and the food of Cambodia – I had quite the experience. Each and every person I met touched me and changed me in a different way. As I moved from place to place, I saw new facets of who God is in His beautiful people all over the world. I went out into the world thinking I was going to make a change, but the truth is the world made its change on me. My life will never be the same and I am so thankful to God for the work He did in my heart over this journey.
You played a part in each life that was touched;
together we were able to influence the world for Christ.
***BREAKING NEWS***
As for what is next – I know that’s why you really started reading this blog! I am grateful to have been given several different opportunities post race, however I have finally picked which path I am going to take. The organization I went on the race with, Adventures in Missions, has asked me to come alongside them in leadership. They are sending out hundreds of young people each year into the mission field and are in need of leaders to accompany them. They’ve asked me to be a leader for their Passport teams. Passport is for young adults, 18-22, and they go to one country for three months. It is similar to the race, however they are able to make a more lasting impact due to the length of their stay. I am so honored to have this chance to pour into young people’s lives and work alongside them as they serve God out on the field.
I will be leaving on August 30th and flying to either Peru, Nicaragua or Thailand to love on the people there, as well as my students. I am not 100% sure on the country, as they are still assembling teams and leaders. Once I become aware, I will update you. I ask that you would please continue to include me in your prayers as I take on this new responsibility and continue to walk out my destiny. I am in need of financial support as well, if you feel the Lord putting it on your heart to get involved, you can send a check, made out to Real Life Church, to my parents address: 5745 N. 32nd Street, Richland, MI 49083. All gifts are tax-deductible.
I cannot say it enough, THANK YOU! You played an indispensable part in changing the world! You are a special piece in His grand plan and He will reward you for your faithfulness. I am grateful for your heart to see the kingdom of God advance and your trust in allowing me to carry His love to countries all over the globe! You will never know what a vital part you were in my story, and I cannot thank you enough for getting behind me! Each prayer, word of encouragement, gift and support has been irreplaceable.
I will be continuing to share my stories through my blog, so you can keep up with me on this new journey. If you have specific questions or would like to know anything about my trip, please feel free to contact me anytime!
You are awesome! Thanks for everything. Pat yourself on the back for changing the world.
Go us!
