South Africa (Another Update)

When I left Alaska I landed in Boone, NC. 

I fell in love, as I do with a lot of fun places to romp around in. The scenery was undeniably beautiful, it was a secret gem of a place I had never thought of. It’s home to Appalachian State University and I met some really incredible people that I felt deeply connected to for no reason. It caused me to pause for a moment and wonder if I was supposed to move there next. After a week, I departed, sadly.

I faithfully made my way to Gainesville, GA where I knew I was supposed to go for direction. When I showed up I felt trapped and immediately alone. Simultaneously, my heart was well-rested. It was a special peace that I know very well. It was confusing, and I decided I was going to stop trying to make sense of things I didn’t understand. 

After a few days, I was connected with the Semesters directors at Adventures in Missions and found myself on the phone with co-leads for three month trips to either Central America or South Africa. 

Financially, I was fully funded for my upcoming trip leading in January but I also had a savings account built up for the first time in years. An Answered prayer. A friend of mine had joked if I didn’t figure out where to give that money to now, God would ask me to do something radical with it.

I may call that friend soon and tell them they may be prophetic, but the truth is, people who have been called to give big know that God makes that call all the time as seen in Matthew 19:16-24

“¹⁷ “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”

¹⁸ “Which ones?” he inquired.

Jesus replied, “‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, ¹⁹ honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’”

²⁰ “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”

²¹ Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

²² When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.

²³ Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. ²⁴ Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

This is exactly what happened, and I was allowed another opportunity to lead a group of 18-22 year old women in South Africa, funded by all the provision God set out before me. Now, I am trusting Him again with finances, with my life, with my time and with my purpose. I once again am in a place of not trying to understand how to control my life, but to continue to make wise decisions with what I’ve been given. Faithful in little, faithful in much…..

I am typing this from my little sleeping mat and sleeping bag as I’m listening to the sweet chatter of women connecting and getting comfortable in bated anticipation for what is ahead. We fly out on September 1st to work with Impact Africa to start. Please pray for us to be graciously open to one another and for what God has in store for us. 

I’ve found that I need much less from people lately than any other season of my life and I think it’s a new thing to feel stability when there is seemingly none around you. The Joy of the Lord has truly been my strength. What a beautiful progression.  

Until the next update from South Africa, I cherish you all. Please let me know if you have questions, concerns or just need prayer. Thanks for reading 🙂