Just
wanted to send out an update on my first 4 months of being on staff with
Mission of Hope. First, it's crazy to think it's been FOUR months
already. I feel like it was just the other day that I was arriving and
wondering what a year of LIVING in Haiti would look like. To describe the
last 4 months in a single word, I would have to choose .... ADVENTURE. I
never would have imagined that I would have so many amazing experiences in such
a short amount of time. Some of the highlights would be: having my
brother come down and serve alongside me, flying in a private plane, meeting
Jay Feely, seeing a good friend move out of a tent and into a
home, meeting David Barnett and countless other experiences!
I
think the most beautiful revelation that I've had in the last few months would
be this: doing things for God, is NOT the same as knowing Him.
I have always struggled with finding my value and my worth in what
I do and not always in the fact that I am a child of
God. For whatever reason, “works-based faith” is much easier for
my mind to grasp than the actual TRUTH of being saved simply
by grace….. but then that’s what makes grace so amazing. Another
hurtle I face, especially working for a Christ-based organization, is that yet
again it is much more easy for me to do things for the Lord
vs. knowing Him more intimately and letting my relationship with
Him grow. It has been a challenge not to equate working for the
Kingdom as quality time with the Lord. It has been another beautiful step in
this journey of progressive sanctification. It makes me all the more
thankful for grace. It makes scripture like Eph 2:1-10 become more
and more alive in my life.
The
next 8 months of this year are FULL! May, June & July promise to
be busy! Hundreds if not thousands of short term team members will
be coming down to Mission of Hope to serve. I eagerly await the new
adventures that will come with these months. I covet your prayers as
they will also prove to be a trying time, not only physically but emotionally
and spiritually. Words like peace and organization are what I am
praying over my life. Wisdom and strength for the days to come.
I would also appreciate your prayers for my finances. It has
been another facet of my journey that has been both testing and
rewarding. I’ve never lived in a season where my finances were
literally a month to month basis. It has been such a gentle reminder
that everything in my life is ultimately in His hands. I’ve included
the link to my support page
if this is something you are curious about or would like to prayerfully
consider.
Thank
you for the opportunity to share my heart with each and every one of
you! I constantly talk about the support base I have back
“home.” Whether home is Colorado, Arkansas, Texas, Haiti or anywhere
else the Lord will take me, it has been a constant testimony to the sovereignty
and wisdom of the Lord. It has never made sense when He has moved me
somewhere new, but then the amazing support structure I have developed along
the way makes all the sense in the world! So no matter where you
fall into my story, know that you are there for a reason and I cherish your
involvement in what the Lord is doing in and through me. Blessings –
and let the adventure continue!!
