Independent spirit broken

It's hard to believe that almost six months have passed since I left California. From the time I stepped off that first airplane until now, so much has happened. God is teaching me infinitely more than I imagined or even dared hope. My time has been challenging and difficult in ways I never expected, but also truly awe-inspiring. As an apprentice for YouthHOPE, I've been able to step into the shoes of a missionary by spending time working at the Center for Global Outreach in Florida and by living with different families all over the world. I'm beginning to learn the cost of missions that I didn't fully understand before. I've also learned about the need for people willing to lay down their lives to love and live with people they've never met before and seen the results of their sacrifice and obedience.

I can honestly (and proudly) say that the independent spirit I had when I left California was broken. By taking me out of my comfort zone, God showed me the necessity of community and relationships for thriving. Now more than ever, I'm so grateful for the people back in California and the hundreds of people I've met along the way of this crazy journey. When I was traveling by myself, God quickly brought community and friendships that kept me sane in the weeks that I spent away from all the comforts I'd grown accustom to. It's incredible to see the ways God provides for our needs before we even understand what those are. In my most difficult days, I was so abruptly met with God's incredible love. I have experienced physical, tangible comfort from God, and His peace really is like nothing else.

To compile everything I've learned from global youth and youth workers, I'll be writing a devotional, or “youth study” as I call it, is for high school and early college age students. The goal of the devotional is to give students that are interested in youth ministry and global missions the necessary tools to begin praying and preparing to go. I'm really excited to see what God will do with this project once it's finished. I'm praying and believing that He has good plans for it.

In the last six months, I've been to ten countries in three regions of the world to interview youth and youth workers.I wanted to thank each of you for your prayers and donations. None of this would have happened if it weren't for your faith in what Christ is doing globally and what He is doing in my heart as well. It hasn't always been easy, and I miss you all more than I can express, but I'm so thankful for this opportunity and especially your continued prayers and encouragement. Read more on my blog : http://www.TheRoadtoHeaven.us