All You Ever Wanted Was My Heart (Life Update January 2017)

Last summer, as most of you know, I traveled to Zambia with 21 others for a one-month missions trip. During our time in Zambia, we participated in several kids camps, physical projects, and evangelism. Personally, Zambia was a time of great growth. I was challenged in my personal journey with God and as a leader. God showed me that I had been putting him in a box for many years and I needed to fully trust in him again. Every last broken piece of me. He wanted my whole heart. My prayer going home was to live and lead as Christ did. I came home with a small tug on my heart.

I arrived home just in time for my second season as assistant soccer coach at Grace University. I absolutely love coaching and to coach at a christian university is just a bonus. This season was rough, but I wouldn’t have traded the relationships or memories with the players for anything. I definitely grew as a coach this season. At the end of it, I still had a small tug on my heart.

About a month after arriving home from Africa, my boyfriend surprised me and proposed! I honestly never thought the day would come, but God is faithful. Ryan and I are set to say “I do” on April 29th, 2017. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with him. Through all of this excitement, I had a small tug on my heart.

Fast forward through soccer season and the holidays to now, January 17th, 2017. I am sharing what is on my heart now. As I shared above, I had “small tug on my heart.” I would like to share that I am answering the small tug, and this summer I will be returning to the mission field! I will be leading a one-month missions trip to Peru for the month of July.

I will be leading through Adventures in Missions. Adventures in Missions (ADV) is an interdenominational missions organization based out of Gainesville, Georgia. ADV emphasizes discipleship and prayer and primarily works with the poor all over the world. ADV’s mission is to serve as Jesus served by emphasizing relationships and authentic unity in the body of Christ.

I know it may seem crazy to commit to lead a missions trip while you are planning a wedding. I admit, I thought it was a little crazy myself at first. But, I believe that God is asking me to step out of my comfort zone and completely trust that he knows what he is doing. I believe that God is asking me to step out and truly rely on his strength. Zambia was not always easy, and I know that Peru and this time will not always be easy. But, God doesn’t always call us to do easy things.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Friends and family...I humbly ask for your prayer!

• PRAISE God for a fiance that is supportive and honors the call to go! (THIS IS HUGE!)  
• PRAISE God for supportive family and friends surrounding me!
• PRAY for God’s strength to plan both a wedding and lead a missions trip
• PRAY for God’s wisdom and patience when I may become overwhelmed
• PRAY for God’s provision
• PRAY for the team God is already forming to send to Peru

Acts 1:8 But, you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the Earth.