Whoa. It’s been quite a while since I last blogged. I figured it was time for me to stop by with an update!
So, where to start?!! …
I began my third year at Adventures in Missions back in June. Crazy to think that I’ve been here for that long! Summer is usually pretty crazy around here. Between training camps, leader training and general work to prepare for taking another squad, it.is.busy. I actually love it though. As tiring as it can be, I usually feel so filled up inside.
At the beginning of September we headed to Atlanta, Georgia to get the Gap Year squads ready to go out to different countries. We had 6 squads with a total of about 200 people. This year I have the privilege of leading Gap A.
Let me tell you a little about Gap A. They are 33 beautiful humans from all over the United States. We also have an amazing leadership team of 2 squad leaders, 5 gap year alumni team leaders and the coaches. The racers are anywhere from 18 to 20 (some just turned 21) years old, and most just graduated High School in May. They could have done anything with this year, but they chose to step out and do something different. I always think they’re so brave. I’m not sure when I was 18 I would have had the courage to do what they do. But they do the thing and I am so proud of them. This squad has zeal, they are SO kind and loving, and they know how to have fun! They make me laugh and let me join in on their lives with ease. They really do radiate the love of Jesus to any and all who meet them. I am so thankful for them.
For their first 5 weeks on the field, I got to join them! We spent 5 weeks in Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa. If you haven’t ever heard of this place, you should google it. It is absolutely beautiful and the people are amazing! While we were there, we did all kinds of things. We helped out with projects at a school, helped build a school building, worked at a youth camp, sat in on teachings/Bible studies/team times, etc. My favorite part is that I get to spend this time with the squad.
I get to live life with them. I go to ministry with them, live in a house with them, eat with them, all the things. When you’ve got 30-ish women sharing 2 bathrooms, it will get a little crazy. I found myself waking up at 5/5:30am every morning just so I could use the bathroom in peace. But you know what, it’s worth it. It’s crazy and it’s messy and there are always people everywhere, but I wouldn’t want to do it any other way.
In my opinion, to really know people, you have to be in their life. You have to get in their space and let them be in yours. It is so important for me to know the people I am leading and for them to know ME. I’d go back in a heartbeat to fight my way to get some cereal in the morning or to get up at a crazy hour just to see a mirror. Really, it’s all worth it in my eyes. To get to lead and help raise up the next generation of Jesus followers … & really get to know them, it is all worth it.
Here is a picture of all of us while we were in Pretoria, South Africa:
So, here I sit. On the couch at Adventures in Missions, finding myself really grateful for the job I get to do. Never in a million years could I have dreamed this up, and even through the hard moments, which are inevitable, I am so grateful that God let’s me do this.
I am still in need of about $200 in monthly donations to continue my work at Adventures in Missions. If you have any questions or you’re interested in supporting this, I would love to chat! Feel free to reach out to me or hit the Donate button at the top of the blog!
