Spiritual Retreat

February 14-16th the Word of Life Portugal interns traveled to a farm for a spiritual retreat. It was meant to be a time of team building, learning about each other, and learning more abut working cross culturally.




History of Mãos Sujas 

The program, then called "Servo" (meaning "servant") was started about 40 years ago by a Dutch couple Jan and Elizabeth who had a heart for recovering drug addicts. They began their work in partnership with other ministries, but are largely independent now. They would house recovering drug addicts, teaching them about God, giving them time to experience Him through nature, and instilling a work ethic through chores on the farm. Over the years, Jan and Elizabeth turned their focus from recovering to at-risk persons and families. 

A few years ago, Peter and Annie, another Dutch couple, took over. They have changed the program a bit, in that they now invite groups like us to come and experience their program. It is now called "Mãos Sujas" (meaning "Dirty Hands"). 

The actual farm has changed as well. They have always milked cows, but only recently got into the cheese business. 

  

Our Experience

We were the first interns from Word of Life Portugal (Palavre de Vida) to be a part of this program. It is unanimous: every group henceforth should do this!! It was absolutely wonderful.

Going off the Grid

Wednesday evening, after having dinner and relinquishing our phones, we walked into the back fields away from light pollution to look at the stars. It was absolutely gorgeous!!! Words cannot begin to describe how beautiful the night sky is, and we had the added benefit of a clear, moonless night. After spending time meditating on God's vastness, we ventured into the woods - without lights. We had to use all my sense - except my sight! - to navigate. At no other time in my life have I relied so much on the people around me to keep myself and the whole group safe and together and moving!! It was definitely a huge lesson in trust. We had to be aware of everyone around us, working together and making sure everyone knew what was coming up on the path. It was very difficult, and there were some moments I wasn't sure we were going to make it out, but we did! 

Communing with my Creator

Thursday morning we spread out around the farm for our personal Quiet Time. It was a beautifully sunny day and I so enjoyed being outside in God's creation!

Psalm 19

    The heavens declare the glory of God;
    And the firmament shows His handiwork.
     Day unto day utters speech,
    And night unto night reveals knowledge.
     There is no speech nor language
    Where their voice is not heard.

    Their line has gone out through all the earth,
    And their words to the end of the world.

    In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun,
     Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
    And rejoices like a strong man to run its race.
     Its rising is from one end of heaven,
    And its circuit to the other end;
    And there is nothing hidden from its heat.
     The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul;
    The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
     The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
    The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
     The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
    The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
     More to be desired are they than gold,
    Yea, than much fine gold;
    Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
     Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
    And in keeping them there is great reward.

     Who can understand his errors?
    Cleanse me from secret faults.
     Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins;
    Let them not have dominion over me.
    Then I shall be blameless,
    And I shall be innocent of great transgression.

      Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
    Be acceptable in Your sight,
    O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.

Later that day, we spent some time talking about adapting to other cultures and working with the Body of Christ. We talked about how people relate to others in different cultures and how certain things (like lack of greeting) are perceived. God created diversity, and uses our differences to unify us in the Body.

Face to face with emotions 

Friday's events were aimed at our personal relationship to God and to others within the Body of Christ, as well as our emotions. We talked about being comfortable being ourselves, making that "normal" versus trying to impress those around us. Then we all picked a phrase that described how God viewed us. It was different for each of us, something that the Lord had laid on our hearts, something we were striving to remind ourselves, something that the Lord was teaching us. We stepped into the middle of the circle of the interns and met each person's eyes as they repeated our phrase to us. "You are loved" "You are forgiven" "You are wanted" Each person individually encouraged and lifted up by their family of interns. It was a sweet time of complete vulnerability, and the moment we began to understand each other on a much deeper level. This is such a rare occurrence within the Body, and I truly appreciated everyone's openness and honesty. There is something truly special about crying together, reminding each other of truth, praying for one another.

Moving forward

This was wonderful timing for a retreat for me. Losing my great-grandfather last week, still processing my move across the ocean, struggling to communicate here, and other things have all been weighing on me a lot. Those two and a half days were so needed. To just step back and relax, to spend time one on one with the Lord in the midst of the beauty of His creation, and learn with the other interns. I am so thankful for that time and I feel so refreshed.

Hannah and I have learned so much about each other these past few weeks.

I can't wait to serve with her in the Czech!!

This beautiful old bridge was right in the sunlight on Thursday and

I had a great view of the woods surrounding while I did my Quiet Time.

So thankful for these girls (and those missing from photos)!

The boys decided to play "Conquer the Blanket".

The shadow over them is the last boy coming to join the fun.

Lesson

While the quilts laid out all over the room were truly beautiful and I admired the expertise, it was the king size spread, covered in the tiniest of cross stitches in blues, greens, purples, that held my rapt attention. It covered an entire wall and it was stunning. Standing back to observe the whole piece, the individual stitches were indistinguishable. As I moved closer, almost touching it, each minuscule cross stood out plainly and the complete picture was blurred. I pondered the lady who completed those tiny stitches. She clearly had a plan in mind, but the journey was as important as the destination. I imagined her focused on one small space of blue stitches, and then moving to another space, this time of green. She wouldn't be thinking about the top corner when she worked on the bottom. She concentrated on that one spot, not thinking about the rest, but always headed toward her goal: an elegant peacock with long flowing tail gracing the center, surrounded by flowers around the edge. Years of painstaking labor, culminating in this piece of art. It was a silent lesson in focus, patience, perseverance. 

 

God Laughed At Me...And then I listened to Him.

If you want to hear God laugh, tell Him your plans.

             When I sent out my first newsletter after graduating from the Bible Institute, I included a warning - "plans subject to change without warning". That stemmed from the lesson the Lord has been trying to teach me for years, namely that I am not in control of my life. I can make plans all I want, but that doesn't mean that is what is going to happen.

             I have heard it said that if you want to hear God laugh, you simply have to tell Him your plans. I made plans to go to school, skirting all the hurdles and ignoring the 'caution' signs He put in my way. I can hear Him now, laughing at His naive daughter trying to outwit Him!

             God has been working in my heart about overseas missions and my selfish "need" to finish school before I go to the mission field. I prayed about doing missions work right now, part of me saying "Whatever You want Lord" and the other part saying "I want my own way too!!" I sought the guidance and advice of the people I trust the most and continued to pray for peace. I felt God asking me to trust Him with my schooling, to take a step of faith, and follow where He has called - right now. So, within the next five months, I will be raising support to go to the Czech Republic with Word of Life Fellowship!!!

            The Cross Cultural Internship (CCI) program is a two-year launching opportunity for young missionaries to gain experience in support raising, ministering on the field, etc., while finishing their degree online. I am so excited to see how the Lord will work in this new venture!!

What about the Deaf Ministry??

             Good news! There are opportunities to work with the Deaf in the Czech Republic. After an adjustment period there, I will be able to concentrate more on the Deaf ministry. Word of Life has some connections with Deaf ministries there and I know a missionary couple who also have connections. Long story short, my hands will be learning a new language as well as my mouth!

Prayer Requests:

Training is August 21-25. Pray for good health, and unity as all of the interns get to know each other.

Support Raising begins full swing after training! Pray for stamina and boldness.

I have been mentoring two young women while here at home. Pray that someone will step in and continue to pour into them.

I'm Finally On My Way - May update

The process for my Cross Cultural Internship has finally begun! We had Introductory training yesterday, with an overview of our training coming up in August and also the prep work for that. Word of Life works with an organization that trains missionaries how to raise support biblically. Their program involves reading a book by the founder, an intense Bible study, and practical lessons on how to build a support team.

I am so excited to start learning!! This is probably going to be the craziest two years of my life, but that is not a bad thing. This is not only a great jumpstart into full time missions (which is my ultimate goal) but it is also a wonderful opportunity to work alongside some of the greatest people in ministry, to learn and grow alongside hundreds of other students, missionaries, staff, and visitors who come in contact with Word of Life.

I can't wait to see how the Lord stretches and grows me in the next two years!

I'd like to end with this passage that one of my dear friends, Chelsea, shared with me. This is such a great passage to start this journey, because there are people who are concerned about safety. And it is a legitimate concern. However, we serve an amazing all-powerful God and He can and will protect us!

Acts 18:9-11
Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, "Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent,for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city." And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the Word of God among them. 

My Rock

As I begin to share my plans with people around church and such, the most popular follow-up question has been, "How does your mom feel about this?" I'd like to take this chance to answer that question publicly: she is fully supportive of my traveling overseas. My mom has been my biggest supporter right from the beginning. She has encouraged me to follow the Lord wherever He wants me to go time and time again. As I wade through responses that are not always equal to my enthusiasm, she has been a rock in my life. She knew I would be called into missions, and has been preparing for this time for twenty some years. She has backed me, encouraged me, given me pointers, help me sort through confusing and conflicting desires, and is always willing to listen to me rant and bunny trail all over the place to get myself in order. She knows without a doubt that if the Lord wants me to go overseas, I will be safer there than if I stay home and ignore God's call. I can honestly say that above all of the financial supporters, above all the encouragement, above all my friends who are so wonderful, my mom tops the list. There is nothing like having a parent who is completely supportive of God's plan for your life. I have friends whose parents don't see eye to eye with them about missions, and I am so thankful that my mom understands and stands behind me.

So to all those parents out there who don't understand why God wants their baby to go somewhere far away: open your heart to the Lord's leading. He has a plan in this for you too. He is trying to teach you something too.

And to all the young adults whose parents don't fully understand, never stop praying for them. And never stop telling them about your passion. Don't let their hesitation turn you off to the Lord's calling on your life and heart. Beg Him to open their hearts, and move forward with His blessings. 

Oh, and thanks Mom. I love you a ton! :)

Overdue Update

First of all I am sorry that these updates haven't been kept up very well. However, there hasn't been much to tell since I came home. I have been unsuccessful in the job area, which has been frustrating, but I am learning to be extremely frugal. :) I have been helping out at home, taking classes at Genesee Community College, and working on some craft projects. I recently began thinking more about next fall, and as I work through details and such, I thought it called for an update.

Originally I wanted to continue my ASL studies at RIT in Rochester. While it is a wonderful school and great program, I no longer feel that it is a good fit for me. I could do it, but if I learned nothing else in the past two years I have learned that "good" is not always "best", that "doable" is not the highest you can go, that "could" is not synonymous with "should". I have decided to put my schooling and my degree on the back-burner and if it never cooks thoroughly, then so be it. Ministry is so much more important to me, and I have some wonderful opportunities in front of me. As some of you know, I am connected to a church in North Syracuse that has a Deaf ministry. I am currently working on building a picture of what it might look like for me to move there in the fall and intern with them for a while. The other options are overseas.

The Regional Director of Word of Life Europe and his wife, Alex and Pam Konya, have a heart for the Deaf and the disabled in Europe. Most countries do not have the desire to help these people and they are neglected and unloved. Alex and Pam have a vision for Word of Life to be God's tool to reach these unreached groups, and they have encouraged me to consider being a part of that tool. When we originally discussed this at the beginning of the summer, I sort of dismissed it in my mind. While my missions reality trip to Guatemala opened my eyes to overseas missions, I thought I would be in school and not able to travel. But I went up to visit WOL for the Missions Conference and talked to them more about going to Europe. The Czech Republic base rents their facilities to a Deaf camp, there is a Deaf ministry twenty minutes from the base, and there is a need for some office help on the WOL base. This is an exciting possibility! Alex recently had a conference call with the Czech and he told them about me. They are excited about me coming. I will begin my application process soon and keep everyone updated on how it's going.

As the winter wears on and I continue my studies at community college, I will be praying for God's guidance for making some life changing decisions before the end of the school year. I would humbly ask for your prayers as well as I seek the Lord's will. I believe strongly in the power of prayer and I know that as believers lift their voices to their Lord, pleading for wisdom and guidance, He will hear and answer. When His children pray, the Father moves.

May God bless you all for your continued support.

In Christ, Adele

"Oh taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

Oh fear the Lord, you His saints! There is no want for those who fear Him.

The young lions lack and suffer hunger; but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing." Psalm 34:8-10

Girl Gone Guat

What an amazing trip!! We have had a full ten days of ministry, travel, laughter, tears, translating, and so much more! After arriving Friday afternoon, we spent about six hours practicing for the Born Again to Living Hope drama before dinner and a well deserved night of rest. Saturday morning we went shopping before returning to the office for lunch and then off to a Bible club. The team outnumbered the kids at the Bible club, but it was great to experience worship in a different culture and country. Sunday morning we had our own service at the office, complete with singing in English and Spanish, before traveling to Coban. This was a new ministry opportunity for the team in Guatemala, partnering with a church in the city to branch out to communities in and around the city. We performed the drama a total of nine times in schools, churches, and community buildings. Six hundred and twenty-two people made decisions for Christ. One of them was a young man who was brought by his mom after she had watched the performance the night before. He was a drug addict and worked at a circus. He fell into the tiger pit and was paralyzed as a result. Jose, one of the directors, talked to him for a long time after the show and he made a decision to recommit his life to the Lord. Some of those people didn't even see the drama. After a performance in the mountains, the guys were loading the equipment when Josiah saw three young men on the side of the road. He grabbed his translator and presented the gospel to them. All three of them accepted Christ!

The highlight of my trip also happened while we are on that mountain. The building was small, the stage smaller, and backstage nonexistent. So, we were standing outside while Edgar preached after the drama. Hannah came up to me and told me that there was a girl who was using sign language. Needless to say, I was pretty excited! I didn't know Guatemalan Sign Language, though Monica our director did, but I still wanted to meet her. She could hear a very little bit and told us her name was Bernice Maria. Most of what she knew was home signs, but we were still able to communicate a little. We played a version of a clapping game and when we would mess up, she would laugh. I wish I was able to record that laugh....it was so beautiful! Then she laced her fingers with mine and we started dancing back and forth. Pretty soon, she had a whole group of us students dancing in a circle. It was so hard to leave her there, but it was harder knowing that she didn't have the opportunity to understand the gospel. I pray that she someday has the opportunity. It was such a good reminder for me. Back in November when we had to choose which trip we wanted,  didn't want to go because it wouldn't be Deaf ministry. I learned through that little girl up in the mountains that it didn't matter where I was, even if I felt like it wasn't where I was supposed to be, it was indeed where I was supposed to be. I need to serve wholeheartedly wherever I am, and the Lord will bless that.

Overall, it was an eye-opening experience. I am going to be praying about going back full time. I have a whole year to decide, but I could see myself living there and working with the Deaf community in Guatemala. I love the culture and the people and I could learn Spanish. "Girl Gone Guat" just may be more than the title of this blog.....

P.S. for photos: https://goo.gl/photos/g3cYq2ho2X5n9FgP6

Reflections

It occurs to me that I am selfish in my walk with the Lord. Much more so than I realized. There are so many of those hidden sins of the mind that are so easily overlooked. Worry, pride, selfishness. As I grow closer and search harder for the smallest things that separate me from a closeness that I desire with the God of the universe, these things become more evident. We typically begin with the "big" or outward things in our lives when growing closer to the Lord. Things like smoking, swearing, drinking, hanging out with the wrong people. Things like doing Quiet Time, getting involved in a church, learning more about God. And as our walk progresses, it becomes deeper and therefore deeper issues present themselves. They are harder to deal with because they are not surface level, they go to the heart, beneath what we can see. But they are the roots of so many struggles we face again and again. Selfishness is one of those "quiet" or "hidden" sins that we rarely discuss and yet all encounter. (If anyone thinks they aren't selfish then they are lying, but that's another topic.) It is one thing I thought I didn't struggle with very often, but since returning from break, I have been out of sorts, and in examining the reasoning behind my dissatisfaction and unrest, I have pinpointed the root of selfishness. I desire to grow in the Lord, know more about Him, please Him, because of the promised blessings that often follow the commands we have been given. I have been driven in my studies by the knowledge and expectation of those blessings which God provides. My focus has shifted, ever so slightly, almost unrecognizably. My ultimate purpose is to give Him glory, to thank Him for His salvation, not to live for what I can get out of the deal. I have been challenged: will I continue to follow, to grow, to pour into others, even when I am not getting my own way? God demands my praise because of Who He is, not because of what He is doing for me. I deserve nothing. The more I remember that, the less dissatisfaction I will experience. When my focus is on the holiness, the righteousness, the amazing grace and mercy of  the Lord, my eyes are off me and on Him. The best way to combat selfishness is to focus on the One Who is never selfish.

Finding Dad part 1:3

Jacob awoke with a start. For a few minutes, he attempted to remember where he was and why he was there. He rarely fell asleep on the couch, much less with his clothes and shoes still on. What had resulted in this strange divergence from his normal habit? As the events of the afternoon and evening before slowly unfolded, Jacob dragged both hands over his face, trying to kick his mind into high gear so as to decide what to do with the information he now had in his possession. Before he was able to come to anything conclusive, his alarm went off, alerting him to the fact that he was now required to prepare for work.

Without having any time to come to a conclusive decision, he decided to keep the events of the previous night to himself for the time being. He attempted all day to act as of nothing had happened. He bought Rosalind her coffee, teased her about her new outfit, worked on his projects. Only once did he almost let it slip.

"Penny for your thoughts." Rosalind set a pile of folders in front of him on the desk and leaned against it, eyebrow cocked in inquiry.The folds of her skirt spread across the corner of his desk and he briefly followed them, admiring the ombre tones. The bright pink shades fit her personality - perky and fun, but sweet and subtle. That kind of thing sure snuck up on a guy....What was wrong with him? He was distracted and restless and...ignoring her question.

"Sorry, I'm just sort of out of it today. I didn't sleep well last night. Fell asleep on the couch." He caught himself before he went any further. He had almost told her.That wouldn't be good at all.

"You do look tired...would you like some coffee?" Oh, the sweetness of her concern, care, closeness. He could just soak it up all day. He could melt in the warm chocolate of her eyes.She was looking at him so intently. She didn't normally. Was she finally realizing? Were they finally going to be able to move forward? No, you dingbat! She thinks you're crazy! He shook himself to clear his head and, for the millionth time plastered a smile on his face and blew off his weird behavior.
"Sure, coffee sounds great. Thank you, Rosie. Maybe it will help me wake up." Rosie didn't look like she believed him, but she brought him coffee and left him to his work.

Rosalind wiped the counter down and checked her list of responsibilities for the day. She had made coffee, taken it to multiple individual offices, given Ben's files to Jacob. Her mind wandered to the encounter in Jacob's office. Why was Jacob acting so strange? He had dark circles under his eyes and a stressed look in his eyes. His conversation was abnormal, distracted, subdued. The teasing was minimal, forced. Maybe she had read things wrong yesterday. Or maybe there was something that he wasn't telling her. If that was the case, he would tell her eventually. She turned her thoughts to their dinner that night. Where was he taking her? Did she need to dress up? She decided she would ask him.

"Where are we going for dinner tonight?" Jacob looked up and furrowed his brow at her. Rather than answer her question, he turned back to his computer. Rosie wasn't going to leave without an answer. She walked over to his desk and shut his laptop on his fingers. "I asked you a question, Jacob."

"Hey! You can't do that!"

"I just did. Now answer my question."

"I don't think I want to. You just shut my fingers in my laptop."

"Jacob. You know me. I need to know what to wear."

"Oh, yes. The ever present question of the clothing. Why must all women concern themselves so much with clothing? And then, after changing outfits for hours, then they spend another hour or more on hair and makeup each. It is so much easier to be a guy. Jeans, button up, comb through the hair, done. Simple. No fuss. No worries."

"Hakuna matata huh?"

"Yes. One of my favorite movies." Jacob's face lit up and he locked eyes with her. "We should watch it tonight."

"Jacob. I thought we were having dinner." He was definitely losing it.

"Yes, we are. I'm making dinner. In my apartment. And we are going to watch The Lion King. That also answers your clothing questions, yes?" Rosie raised her eyebrows, incredulous. Jacob didn't invite women to his apartment, unless he was considering dating them. That was his personal rule, and that rule had never been broken for her.

"Are you sure? I've never been in your apartment before, Jacob."

"Yep, I'm sure. We are having dinner at my apartment, I'm cooking, and we are watching The Lion King. I have your favorite dessert in the freezer. Your favorite CD in my player in the kitchen. We need this time to just relax and have fun, don't you think?"

"I agree. I have to get back to work. Are we going right to your house from work?"

"No, we'll stop by your apartment first so you can grab comfortable clothes and whatever."

"Sounds good. See you later."

--------------------

Jacob was right. They both had needed this break, this chance to kick back and relax with nothing to do but enjoy one another's company. Dinner was delicious, dessert was incredible. They had listened to music and danced around the kitchen without a care in the world. Now, they were buried underneath blankets and pillows on his beautiful couch, halfway through The Lion King. She felt so pampered, so spoiled, so loved. She was able to relax completely, forget about work and the outside world. It had been awhile since they had done this, just unwind and have fun. As much as she was enjoying this, she continually wondered what prompted this random break from normality. Little did she know she would soon get her answer.

Hello Twenty

Hello Twenty. I welcomed you yesterday with a bit of trepidation, a bit of anticipation, a lot of impassivity, and a wicked headache. I was awake at 7:16, with no desire to yet face the day. Casting Crowns eased me back into rest until a more decent hour for a WOLBI student on a Monday morning after a weekend of counseling. Lunch was full of other students wishing me a happy birthday and teasing me about being old. The afternoon was uneventful, except for a nice package from home, brimming with glitter and pictures from siblings, and a long chat with my mom. Dinner with the brother dorm and study hours memorizing my verses for the quiz. Nothing super exciting, which was favorable, considering my health. And just when I thought my day was going to be completely laid back, my suite mates threw me a surprise party at 9 o'clock at night! Complete with balloons (taped to the ceiling to avoid allergic reactions), pop tarts, testimonies, and laughs, it was the perfect way to welcome in Twenty. So hello Twenty, and goodbye Teens. It was nice knowing you. Not sure what I'm going to do with Twenty and friends, but I'm sure it will be oh so great!

Submitting to God's will

I know that God has a plan for my life, that He is the best Person to make plans for my life. But so often I struggle with letting go of my own plans and allowing Him to be completely in charge. I truly believed that He had called me to the states. But during missions conference, He challenged the plans I had made based on that belief. They weren't anything substantial yet, nothing set in stone, but they were safe. They were close to home. They were in my culture. Dr. Wilt, our teacher for Prayer, told me about an older missionary who is in a different country and he said they were looking for someone to take over for her when she retired. Almost immediately, I shot that idea down in my head. I told him that I believed that the Lord had called me to the states. He said that his missions board could work with me here too, and the topic dropped. But the thought stuck in my head. I shot it down each time and each time it returned. So, I decided to wrestle with it. I know that God can handle my emotions and that He wants me to tell Him what I'm thinking. I told Him that I didn't want to go to Venezuela. I told Him that I wanted to stay in the states, that I thought that was where He wanted me too. But then I told Him I was willing to have my mind changed. I was willing for Him to change my plans, though it would be hard. Nothing is for sure except God and His love. I can trust in Him and His sovereignty. And He has been changing my mind. If it is His will, then I will go to Venezuela. I will serve the Deaf community wherever He wants me to. I will not put plans in stone, because they could be changed at a moment's notice. I know that sometimes God calls you to one place because you aren't ready for the 'real' place. If He had told me three years ago that I was going to Venezuela, I would have run. But now, I am open to where He wants me to go. And whether I go to another country or not isn't something I need to be concerned about right now. My mission field will be RIT, and that is more immediate, therefore more important to be thinking about. But even more importantly than, I need to be focusing on the Planner, not the plan. It will change, but He never will.

Missions Conference 2016

Wow. What a weekend! It was truly a refreshing change to our busy schedule of homework and classes. We had wonderful speakers, on fire for the Lord, challenging us to think about our role in God's plan to reach the world. Informing us about the need in the world to hear about Jesus and His sacrificial love for all of us. It was a convicting weekend for me. God showed me that while my focus is a lot better than it was this time last year, it was on the plan, and not the One in charge of the plan. I don't like not having a set plan. I don't fly by the seat of my pants. I make plans and try to stick to them as much as possible. I wasn't being flexible with God. I was making plans and not leaving room for anything different. And He changed those plans. He changed them for the next year, and He called into question my long term goals as well.
Five years ago, almost six now, God called me into the ministry. I told Him last year at missions conference that I was willing, wherever He wanted me. This year, God is building the trust behind that commitment. Maybe my long term mission field is in America. Maybe my short term mission field is in America. Maybe God will take me to Venezuela. Maybe He will keep me here. I don't know. And as hard as this is, I don't care. Because the God that I have entrusted with my eternity after death is the One Who is in charge of my life right now. And I know He is capable.