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June

Traveled to the Dominican Republic with the Ambassador team (high school students). I love getting to work with this age because I realize the impact of following the Lord at a young age. 

 

My favorite part of my trip was actually something the Lord taught me in my personal life. He gave me a vision of myself with Him in a garden, a place that I could commune with Him. It brought a deeper sense of His heart for me, knowing how much I love nature and connecting with Him through creation.

Image may contain: 10 people, including Beth Crenshaw, people smiling, people standing

July

We welcomed World Race Gap Year participants to training camp. My specific team was 42 participants, ages 18-20 years old. 

 

It was an incredible 10 days of walking through their training to prepare for leaving for the mission field. One aspect of Gap Year training is that we are placed with a specific team over the 10 days. I love this aspect because it helps develop a deeper connection to the participant’s story and how the Lord is growing/working in their heart over training camp. 

August

Our organization launched about 100 World Racers for the mission field for 11 months. One incredible experience that happened at launch was with a parent who challenged me to ask the Lord some hard questions. That night, when I laid down to talk to the Lord about my questions, he quickly highlighted the garden to me again (see July for context) and reminded me of His promises for me. It was a night of allowing the Lord to minister to my heart and be sweetly reminded of His heart for my future.  

Image may contain: 21 people, including Kylee Krusemark, Travis McCarn, Jenna Anderson, Cari Phillips, Ronny Sison-Ayala, Tanner Albright, Beth Crenshaw, Mhairi McFadyen, America Cristina Lascano and Katelyn Lagerwey, people smiling, people standing, sky, cloud, shoes and outdoor

Later in August, I traveled to SPAIN! It was a dream of mine two years ago, and thanks to my parents, I was able to go this year as a part of celebrating my 30th birthday! This was a two week trip without any work expectations–yay! The Lord called me to view the trip as a  “sabbatical”–a chance to rest, celebrate and dream. To rest spiritually with Him (especially since I would spend the majority of the trip alone), to celebrate the last 7 years of work, and to dream of what the next seasons will be and what I desire to do/see in my future. 

Outside of the Cathedral in Burgos, Spain

Top things I learned while in Spain:

  1. To enjoy just being with the Lord

  2. Enjoy the journey and embrace the season the Lord has me in

  3. I need to give myself space and time to process emotions

  4. The Lord delights in me, just as I am

September

We launched 200 World Race Gap Year racers to the nations for 9 months. This is where I said “goodbye” to my racers from July’s training camp. It is always exciting for me to see them launch because they’ve prepared for this experience for almost a year. I also know they are walking into a season of incredible transformation in their personal lives and also getting the chance to share God’s love around the world. 

Image may contain: 6 people, including Beth Crenshaw and Kameron Nelms, people smiling, people standing

Other Job Updates:

I began working with the Ambassador program again. When I first started at Adventures, I worked with the high school program to help prepare them for their summer mission trips. Then advising for the program transitioned outside of our department, but this summer due to some rearranging of programs, it came back to our department. I am excited to pick it back up for summer 2020!

I will not work directly with Gap Year racers any longer due to picking up Ambassadors. Another coworker who has desired to work with Gap Year will step in my place to steward these racers for 2020. 

World Race Unscripted 2020 will be launching in January 2020, starting in South America. They have a few more months of fundraising and preparation. Please be praying for the Lord to prepare their hearts and for their communities to support their next seasons on the World Race. 

 Life Outside of Work: 

English Classes: Each Tuesday, we continue to lead English classes at our church. We have a beginners class and an intermediate class. One thing that I love about the students in my class is their openness to share about what is happening in their lives, which leads to spiritual conversations, praying for each other, and encouraging them. Continue to pray for more students and continued personal connections that bring about God’s glory!

Wednesday Nights: Each Wednesday I hang out with 2nd-5th graders, sharing about the Bible, the work the Lord is doing around the world, and, of course, play and have a ton of fun. I love these kiddos so much, even if they are wild and rambunctious. 

Prayers: 

  1. Wisdom and encouragement as I speak and mentor the participants for the trips (Unscripted 2020 and Ambassador 2020).

  2. Leadership development as I continue in the role as the Operations Manager in the Admissions Department.

 

Need: I am only in need of $720 in one time donations to be fully funded for the 2019-2020 fiscal year! Donate here up at the top of this page!

 

Thank you for joining me in prayer over all the Lord has involved me in here in Gainesville. I am humbled to be a piece of his church here at Adventures and in the community.