Into The Unknown: 2020 recap and what’s next in 2021

Hi friends! Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane…

 

Indonesia

In January I said goodbye to my home, my family, and launched with the world race.

I spent the month in Bandung at a tutoring center for children. Our main focus was pouring into the teachers and providing support for them. 

 

Malaysia

In February we stayed in Penang and help set up a thrift store that is now used to benefit children in the community (I am not able to share specific details). 

 

Thailand

We were supposed to spend the month working in a refugee camp. We arrived in Chiang Mai on Friday night and found out Sunday morning we were going home due to covid. We took the little time we had to spend with our hosts. They took us to the night markets and to feed elephants! I am thankful for those who worked hard to bring home 550 people before borders closed. 

 

Georgia

In July I launched with World Race America! Ladies and gents, God is a man of His word!

 

Indiana

We stayed with this sweet family for 2 weeks. Our time was full as we learned how to function well as a team, worked at a thrift store that supports men working through a rehabilitation program, painted a center for youth outreach, and went on prayer walks. 

 

Idaho

We have a saying for this ministry stop: “Wrecked every day, IN IDAHO!” We had low expectations, but the Holy Spirit blew them out of the water! We worked at a food pantry, helped with a garden for a women’s center, did ATL (ask the Lord), and were part of 90 days of prayer at a local church. Our team was also overwhelmed with gratitude at the way so many people poured into us. 

 

Washington

We met up with the 2 other WR America squads for 2 weeks in Bellingham. We debriefed our first month, rested, and were part of a four day event that taught about identity in Christ. The prayers were healing, the worship was powerful, and the impact was life-changing. 

 

Nevada

Our 2 weeks in Las Vegas broke my heart. We worked with the homeless, went evangelizing, went on a prayer walk around a strip club, and worked to bring awareness to sex trafficking. I learned how to see hope in dark places.

Psalm 139: 11-12 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.

 

California

Our hosts live in an RV park, which means we got to live there as well! During our team we learned the importance of community, how to find rest in the Lord, and that our team had become family. 

 

Colorado

Denver was our last ministry stop. We spent 3 weeks working with the Denver Dream Center. They work with inner city families to provide in whatever way the Lord allows. They may be small, but they are mighty!

 

Florida

For the last time we met up with the 2 other squads and spent time debriefing and celebrating. We were home just in time for Thanksgiving!

 

2021

I’m not even going to try to figure out what this year holds. I’m just trying to take it one day at a time (anyone else with me?). 

But I do know this, our God is good and faithful. When nothing else makes sense, I can trust Him.

In 3 weeks, I leave to squad lead for 3 months in Nicaragua. This was not what I had wanted. I intended to return home for a while and go back to work. But, while I was in Colorado I had a dream about squad leading and could feel something stirring in my heart. Two days later I found out that 2 squad leaders were needed in January. My first reaction was, “No.” But, through prayer and the Lord’s work on my heart, I told Him I’d go if that’s what He wanted for me. 

So, I applied and on our drive to final debrief I found out I was accepted. This has been a path of choosing obedience and deeper trust. 

While I don’t know yet exactly what our ministry will look like, I know that the needs have worsened due to covid. I’m excited to be back on the field.

I’m also excited that a major part of my ministry will be my squad. Alongside my co-leader, we’ll be leading a group of 18-22 year olds.

I often wonder how different my 20’s would have been if I had someone who took the time to pour into me and point me toward Christ. I spent many years chasing worldly things that only brought momentary pleasure. Standing where I am today and looking at the way God has worked in my life, I’d never go back. 

I’ve found peace in trials, joy in pain, and love in heartache. I’ve learned that love is a choice, it is action, and it is most needed when it hardest to give. 

Squad leading feels like I’m stepping into the depths of the unknown. With the Lord’s guidance, I’ll teach what I’ve learned to others. 

Matthew 18: 18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.