I’m in this weird place right now. It’s a season of closing one chapter and beginning another. As exciting as it is, I’ve also very much felt attacked lately.
The World Race is a calling on my life. I know that, and believe that every day since before I got accepted. As time has passed since then, God has only unfolded that more to me through various people, scripture, in times of prayer.
So why is it so hard some days?
It is hard because sometimes even though I know this, the money is daunting. Student loans are a lot. And there is so much still to come through. Trying not to put limitations on how God can provide is just hard some days.
Despite me sometimes not seeing how it will all come, I have faith that God will continue to come through. Thankfully, God sent five of my incredible friends on this journey before me, and they continue to speak truth over every doubt. I am so incredibly thankful for them and that they have gone before me. It has been an incredible gift to have as I am in this time between two seasons.
I’m closing a season of living in Manhattan. Manhattan has been home for eight years now. I’ve lived in one apartment, nine houses. I have had over 25 roommates/housemates. Disclaimer: some of the houses I lived in had 6 roommates. I’ve had two dogs here. I graduated from KSU. I have had several jobs, including two I have loved very dearly. I have had numerous communities around me as the nature of Manhattan is a sending base, and most don’t stay here long.
I’ve stayed here for eight years. And judging from my first three months here, I never would have dreamed it.
I grew up here. Not in the sense of this place being where I spent my childhood. But I was 21 when I moved here. So much has changed since the younger me moved here. I finally got comfortable. I settled in and unpacked my bags.
But now it’s almost time to pack them. This season in between is so weird. I know I’m leaving, but it still all feels so surreal. When people bring up my replacement at work. When I’m talking with friends about this fall. I won’t be here this fall. I’ll miss the changing leaves and the fire pits and the pumpkin everything (ok, not really because I’m not the biggest fan of pumpkin).
Tomorrow is the fourth of July, but next year I’ll be in a different country. In fact, I’ll be in a different country for every holiday, and also for my birthday. I’ll turn 30 in Africa. Which is such a gift, but it’s also weird to actually say it out loud.
I’m not really afraid of what is ahead. I’d venture to say I’d leave sooner if I could, but don’t want to wish time away, either. I know there is still so much God is doing to prepare me for this.
I got to meet a squadmate last weekend, his name is Ryan. As we were talking about the Race, we landed a conversation about how we are both so excited to see everyone’s giftings and how they all fit together, how we will grow together and build one another up.
Life is wild, friends. Be on the look out for more ramblings and writings. I’ve no doubt there will be many more updates in the coming weeks.
Prayer requests:
-Saturday, July 7th, I will travel to Horton, Kansas, to speak at a junior high-senior high girls’ retreat, followed by speaking July 8th – 13th at Deeper Life week (junior high through senior high campers) as the missionary. If you have read my post titled “My Summer Home” that’s the place. God used Mission Lake (MLCC) as the springboard into this and so many other parts of my faith, and I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to go speak about the race to these kids. Pray that God uses my story and words and that God moves in the hearts of the kids and staff.
-July 20th deadline. Our first deadline is quickly approaching. I have about a week and a half until I get to look at my fundraising. I know I’m over $3K, but that’s as much as I know. However, the $10K deadline will be approaching quickly after that, so here’s to lots of prayers, letters, speakings, and watching God show up time and time again!
-Training Camp!!! I leave for training camp in just over one month. I’m so stoked to get to meet the rest of the O-Squad and begin to get to know their stories and hearts for the Lord. It will truly be an incredible time as we dig deep and finally get to meet one another face to face.
Thank you all. You are an incredible blessing just for stopping to read what God is doing in my life, on this journey. Be blessed!!!
All the love,
XO The Wild One.
