Hey all,
I'm not sure if you have been following my recent happenings, but I volunteered for a sudden deployment and have spent the last four months in Okinawa. Honestly when I was in the midst of a lot of difficulty, I doubted I would've even come here...but I don't think that's the truth. I needed to come.
Why? I am not sure yet, but the answer is coming. I have struggled lots, yet have achieved more than I thought possible. I think it is a testament to Christ in me and I give Him the glory. If I knew what was coming only looking at the suffering, then yeah I wouldn't come. But if you tell me of the people I would meet, the church I would come to love and the book I would be called to write, I would come. God added to me in His presence what I lost at work, every single time. Thank you Jesus, it isn't easy but you make it worth my while through abundance.
So today, Yomitan International Church sent me forth to my home in Arizona and the next season of my life in Omaha, Nebraska. When I was a child, I remember seeing all these families at church that would be sent as missionaries or leaving due to job opportunities... I dreamed of the day that I would be sent. I wanted to be sent so badly. My dad would consistently tell me that it is better to be sent rather than went. We desired then and now to only do what the Father is doing. So I waited because I didn't want to be "went". Even so, I let it go and trusted God with it so many years ago. And yet, I was sent today. God never forgot my thoughts and prayers as a little girl. Isn't it so cool when God matches our childhood dreams down to the exact verbiage? Thank you Jesus.
Okinawa, I will leave tomorrow. I don't know exactly what will happen but I expect that I will return without the military. I pray it will be such a sweet time. Thank you to Yomitan International Church, Daniel, Zuri, the Hong's, Maite, the Olson's and anyone else that invested in me. I am so glad that I pursued life outside of the practical reason I was here. I believe God used pressure and chaos to promote me within the military and relationships to do his work in the spiritual. I am not the same person I was when I arrived. I feel stronger, yet surrendered. I more aware of the Spirit of God in my life and the power of His Word and authority. I know that no matter where I go, God will be my protection and the one pushing me forward.
So, what's next? I will be spending the next month with my family who I have dearly missed. I am thrilled to be reunited with them. I will miss my people here, but I am so excited for what God has in store for me! Ministry life is picking up within our family and I am just so delighted to share in that. I am ready to be back in the U.S. and drive my car on the right side of the road. AND Chickfila and Chipotle...
Also my book, Can i be BRAVE? will be releasing on Amazon on October 8th! Preorder is available beginning today. Go grab your ebook! Additionally, my author website will be live in November. So many things!
Beyond October, I am moving to Omaha, Nebraska. Everyone asks, "what's in Nebraska?" Well, there will be a lot there. My church, discipleship school, my job, my dog and apartment. I got accepted into Waypoint Church's discipleship school (affiliated with Antioch Church) and started the program since the beginning of September. I am looking forward to doing life with them, I have truly missed Waypoint.
My job, I got hired full time as a federal employee with the Nebraska Air National Guard. In all honesty, I don't think I would've moved if I didn't get the job...there isn't another job that I wanted.
I will be adopting my sister's dog, Bee... I love Bee so much & can't wait for our adventures. And last but not least, my apartment. Praise God for a dream come true living in Nebraska, D School with a dog and my own apartment. I have never had my own apartment, the finances weren't there so I always shared with someone else... and the only roommates I ever really enjoyed were my sister and brother in law. Now, I have more than enough for everything included!
I seem to be starting a new life soon. I'm not sure what to think, but I am pleased by the goodness of God towards me. Change is hard, but good. And I will receive it step by step. I don't need to go too fast but in step with the Lord. I won't forget what the Lord has done.
See you later Okinawa, be well. Thank you for being kind to me. May God bless you abundantly!
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