From a journal entry on August 27:
“Thinking about how beautiful it is that the Lord is creating a time where we must abandon all expectations and expect nothing, simply surrendering in full to Him. I keep finding myself constantly being reminded of the freedom to be found in this time of uncertainty. It’s a time to simply be. No expectations from others, just living day by day taking steps with the Lord. I hope creativity and self growth flourishes in this time.”
WOW! Let me just tell you guys, reading these words is just such a beautiful thing because this is exactly what the Lord has been working this in me throughout the past several months. I have found myself learning to lean on the Lord and pursue His plan over my own. I have learned to strive to live in His ways and according to His plan daily. I have found myself creating a stream of conversation with Him as each hour passes, which has allowed me to open my heart and create a space for Him to move in the most unexpected ways.
This season of uncertainty has led me to love the moments in life where I am fully surrendered to Him and His plan. I have learned a lot about heart break and the space my own plans have taken place in my heart. But I have found that I am most free in moments of unexpectedness when my only choice is to surrender and trust. It is in these moments that His glory is revealed in a way that I never saw coming. It is in these moments when I learn to open space for the Lord’s desires and plans to fill my heart. Whether I know what they are in the moment or I am waiting for Him to tell me.
It has been far from what I expected, but I have found the Lord in ways I never thought possible. I have learned that love is an action and goes beyond myself. I have learned how to honor God and show His love to strangers through making coffees and creating small talk at a register. I have learned to love those who think differently than me, while calling them higher and having tough conversations. I have learned to be slower to speak and quick to be an ear to listen and truly seek out the heart behind a person’s feelings. I have learned that I am capable of so much more than I ever thought I was. And most importantly I have learned that true freedom comes with surrender that can be found in the unknowns of life. I have seen the Lord move daily in the most basic of tasks and it has led me to seek after Him and show others His heart in ways I never knew possible. I want my life to be living proof of the goodness of God. I hope my life is a testimony to His character and the truth of who He says He is.
All that to be said, I am just really truly grateful for all the Lord has taught me in this season. It was so much more than I ever thought it would be and I have found true freedom every day. Hallelujah!!!
Oh! Quick update regarding the plans.. I am leaving in about 5 weeks. Our launch plan has changed a little bit since I last updated you guys! We will be going to AIM’s base in Gainesville GA on January 3rd for a few days of training and to make sure we are all healthy and okay to launch internationally. From there, once we all have gotten negative COVID tests (please be praying for health in this holiday season and as my team and I prepare to leave), we will be leaving January 7th for Nicaragua!!! EEEEK. Talk to you soon when I’m overseas
*Also, as I am sure you heard, Nicaragua was just recently hit by a category 5 hurricane as was much of Central America. Please be praying for those communities and if you are able to donate, see below for resources to help aid these countries.
https://www.foodforthepoor.org/newsroom/news/critical-aid-central-america-hurricane-eta-110620.html
Praying for you and your team! WOW! It’s happening! Love you!