Home and What’s Next

Hello! It has been a while since I posted something here – I thought I would update all of you that have so graciously followed along with my journey thus far!

On June 23, I landed on American soil, seeing my family and friends for the first time in almost six months. I was blessed with the sweetest reunions, and a time full of rest and readjustment. I will not lie, the first few weeks at home were weird. It was an adjustment being home and sitting across from those I hadn’t in months. But I am so grateful to have had this slow and sweet season, home with the people I love. 

People often ask if I missed hot showers, a nice bed, wifi, and all the other comforts while I was away – and although I am so grateful to have those amenities, it was not something I constantly thought of. If I am honest, there are often days I miss not having all of that! There is a comfort I find in not having all those comforts and merely having the Father to rely on. He is ultimately all I need, even if at times my vision is blurred in seeing that.

As I have been home for almost two months, my re-entry has had many ups and downs. Constant pursuit of the Lord and surrender to his Spirit is much harder to walk out in the fast-paced culture of the States. I have to actively fight for and intentionally choose into time with the Father like I haven’t had to in a while. I have to remind myself constantly of the truth of who God is and the wonders I have experienced. I have to be on guard against placing God back in the box I have in the past. But even amidst all of the battles, God has continued to show up in my life just as he is always so faithful to do. 

Since I have been home, the Lord has provided me with such beautiful opportunities to love on his children- opportunities to say yes to what God is doing. There exists a boldness and passion inside of me that was not ignited before the World Race. As a believer in Love himself, I have the honor of partnering with our Father in being his hands and feet on an earth that so desperately needs to see true love. The Creator of the universe is deeply, madly in love with us. How could I not eagerly share that? 

In summary, my time at home has been such a sweet season of growing (and failing), resting, and finding things to be grateful for in the stillness. As incredible as the World Race was, and as much as the Lord used it to grow me immensely, it will not be my “peak.” It is simply a stepping stone into even deeper obedience and partnership with my loving Father – with Christ, there is always more. 

So, what’s next, you might be wondering?

After much prayer and clarity from the Lord, I am heading back to college in the fall! I am attending Johnson University in Knoxville and continuing to pursue a degree in Intercultural Studies with a minor in Spanish. I am so excited for this next season and know that the Lord is going to blow me away, as always. I get to love and bring the kingdom just the same, just in a different environment. Even if it’s everyday life on a college campus, God is in it. Whether on the mission field or a college campus, I will praise his name! GLORY TO GLORY! 

Psalm 34

I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.

2 I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.

3 Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.

4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.

5 Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.

6 This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.

7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.

8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

9 Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.

10 The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

11 Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

12 Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days,

13 keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.

14 Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

15 The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry;

16 but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to blot out their name from the earth.

17 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.

18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

19 The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all;

20 he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.

21 Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned.

22 The Lord will rescue his servants; no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.