hello friends, it’s officially been 5 full days since I’ve launched for world race: gap year. It’s been quite a wild ride already.
To start, My squad-
My squad is such a blessing. Entering a community of people who just want to love and glorify God is so beautiful and sweet. It genuinely felt like no time had passed and we almost immediately fell back into the fun and life-giving friendships. it felt right, I feel such a peace here that I know only Jesus can give.
Our first official day was spent in sabboth. I didn’t realize how much of a blessing this day would be. In the past, I’ve struggled to settle down and just be in the word and with the Lord but that day, I was really ready and able to spend that quiet time with him. He’s really just adjusting my posture and setting my eyes on him which has been such a sweet thing. This day, I was finishing my study in James. The verse “Patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains” really stuck out to me. Here’s an excerpt from my journal entry
“There is such a purpose in the waiting and I can look ahead and know that I can expect any season to pass. I want and need to look to the Lord for comfort and security.The Lord answers our prayers. He provided for the prohets and Job. He listened when elijah called him to stop and start the rain. He will surely provide and listen to my prayers
Jesus, you’re so beautiful. Your love is so great and I crave it so deeply. I want you to be my closest friend, not the world. Father, teach me patience, how to wait out the storm by relying on you alone. It really is just you and me out here. Let me be content in that”
I’m praising Him because the desire to honestly chase after Jesus has been fruitful. This is such a beautiful environment where I’m given the space to seek him in the morning, day, and night. The days are calm, filled with learning, community, leadership and discipleship
One day, we studied in John 15. Verse 3 says “You are already clean because of the word I spoke to you.” Wow. That’s incredible. It’s so often that we feel like we have carry the weight of our sin and shame even after we’ve repented. I feel dirty and unworthy and but the truth is, I’ve been clean since the day I was saved. It’s only me who sees me like that, not the Lord. My chains have already been broken, I just have to drop them. On the other hand, yes, I am clean. But that doesn’t mean I’m perfect my any means. I’m in major need of refinement. Something my mom always says is “God loves us so much to meet us where we are, but loves us too much to keep us there.” What a beautiful reminder of our sweet father, but my sweet mother as well who has engrained those words into my head since I was a child.
We also learned about Honor. The idea of being a squad of honor has been huge on our hearts. We strive to honor and love our leaders, our campus, and our teammates throughout this journey in whatever means possible. this feels very important to me.
The Lord has really worked in my heart in such a sweet way, in such a short time as well. He’s moving in me in way I’ve never felt before and I never want this fire to end. I want to be a better person because of how christ loves me. I want to love better because of how He loves me. I want to serve better and live better because of how he loves. I KNOW it sounds crazy to experience this much heart change, but the Lord is bigger than my expectations.
Thank you for everyone’s support in getting me here. Although I am in Gainsville now my fundraising journey is still not finished. I have seen the Lord move in this team and I know that he will do it for me, I know He will. As of 9/16, I have $3,185 left to raise and would really appreciate your support in financing this mission. I also ask to keep me in your prayers. As I continue life here in GA for the next few weeks learning and training, pray that I stay running towards the Lord. Also, please feel free to reach out for any updates or questions! I still have my phone and would love to share how the Lord is moving in my life and I would love to hear what he’s doing in yours :))
