Saying Goodbye to Gap Year?

As some of you may know, we were told that we are unable to launch for eSwatini in September 2020, due to countries still being closed as a result of COVID-19. 

The leadership at Adventures in Missions and World Race gave us a variety of options as to what the rest of this gap year adventure would look like. One of the two options I was deciding between was going to Gainesville for extended training and then launching in January for 5 months with the squad I have been a part of for the past several months. My other option was to switch to a 6 month semesters trip and launch in January under a different leadership and with a new squad.

I have spent the past week feeling really torn between the options and felt that my heart was being pulled in both directions. I was having a really difficult time quieting my voice and the voices of everyone around me in order to hear the Lord’s voice and see what He was calling me to these next few months. I went to a worship night at my church and got to just praise Him for all He is doing, and got to quiet that voice in my head. Surrender is such a beautiful thing and the Lord shows up in the coolest ways.

After MUCH prayer and some much needed clarity, I have decided I will be…

LAUNCHING IN JANUARY ON A 6 MONTH SEMESTERS TRIP!!!!!

This was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make, but I am SO at peace about it and I know the Lord has so much in store for me on this trip and at home these next few months. I feel like the weight of the world has been lifted off of me and I cannot even begin to express my excitement for all the Lord is going to do this year. 

Lord, I am ready! Use me in new ways! Thank you for being so faithful and seeking after me always, surrendering to your plan! LETS GOOO!

If you are wondering what that means for this next semester, I AM TOO! I am not sure what it holds but I felt the Lord tell me so clearly that He has purpose for me at home this semester and I am so excited for all the doors to open. After getting the email that we wouldn’t be able to launch it felt like this door was closing and I felt really lost and confused. But, I know now that this is one door closing for one million more to open. Please be praying that doors open and that the Lord would continue to provide me with opportunities to spread His name and His word with those around me. 

Learning to trust and truly just depend on the Lord in this time. I have learned so much and I know that ministry is a life style, I am SO excited to serve my local community for the next few months and then launch on a new trip.

If you are wondering where I will be going or what I will be doing when I launch in January, I AM TOO! Due to the virus, I am not sure where I will be going because there is no guarantee as to which countries will be open in January. 

As I learn details and plans, I will continue to update you guys! But for now, I just want to thank you all for the community you have provided me with. I am so thankful for each and every person who has financially supported me, prayed for me, checked in on me, and supported me with words and love. 

Here’s to this next adventure! The best is yet to come and I know the Lord has so much more in store than I could ever begin to imagine.

To Gap D,

I LOVE YOU GUYS! Saying bye to this squad is one of the most bittersweet things I have ever done. You have become family in such a short amount of time and I am SO darn excited to see how the Lord uses you guys this year. He has equipped all of you with such talent and such big hearts for Him. I know He is going to use you in the most beautiful ways. I will be praying for your journey and for blessings. Keep in touch friends, cannot wait to face this new journey with your support and support you all on your beautiful journeys. I will be praying for each and every one of you. Thanks for being the greatest family and group of people. You guys have pushed me in beautiful ways I never thought possible. To those of you coming to GA, I can’t wait to hang out and show you all the cutie spots in GA! To those of you doing any of the other options, I wish you nothing but love and I know God has so much more in store for you. I am proud of each of you for choosing to follow the Lord’s call on your life and I seriously could not be more excited to see where He takes you guys in life.

WE ARE FAMILY FOREVER!!! -Ella