Rooted

I find it funny that I am writing on this topic when it is the theme for Ligonier Camp this summer (where I worked last summer as a counselor). But, it is appropriate and therefore it is what I will write about.

Now, first, sorry that I have been so M.I.A. Life has been crazy and my mind has been spinning with the work that I am doing and the things that I can do in Louisville with the wonderful friends that I have made. But, I felt as though I didn't have too much to say. Not worth an entire blog post, anyway!

However, I now have something that has been on my heart and mind for a long time now, and I think that it's time to write it out. That's what writers do, after all.

I have spent the past week back at Westminster covering the New Wilmington Mission Conference. I had never been to it, but now here I am totally changed by it.

When I came, I was excited because I was going to be back at Mother Fair and because I was going to get to write about missionaries--I love missionaries. I have always thought that was the coolest job, and kind of wanted to do it.

But, as I spoke to them and thought more about where I am in life (and voiced it to a few of them in the process), I found myself thinking, "So you think this is a cool job--why couldn't you do it?" And the more I thought about it, the more I began to say "okay."

The nudges have been happening for a very long time. Sort of like the nudges toward seminary that I've gotten for forever and a day, this is something that has been on my heart. But, I always had my own agenda. I think, after this week, I'm finally ready to listen to GOD's agenda instead. Because let's be real--God knows what I need to do more than I ever will. Something that we all need to remember.

So why does this relate to being rooted? At a first glance, it doesn't. I want to travel. I'm not the best at staying in one place, as anyone that knows me can attest to. I am always moving, be it tapping my foot or heading to a new place to live for a few months. So how could I possibly be rooted?

Well, here's how. My roots aren't in the ground. They aren't in a singular person, or a group of people. They are in God, who knows me and my heart better than anyone could ever try. God will guide me, and as long as I remain rooted in that I will be fine.

This realization of my call to mission is scary. Who knows where I could end up, for how long, doing whatever. But at least it's there. At least I know, and at least I know that I can use my love of people and my great and wonderful God in that way--while still writing (as I so love to do).

Anyway--that is what has been on my heart and my mind. Thank you, as always, for going with me on this journey. Bless you all.

Pigs and New Friends that I'm Pretty Sure I Knew in a Past Life.

Yeah....so my title basically sums it all up, and I have no shame in it. But I guess since I've been MIA for a little while, I should elaborate. SO, here goes nothing.

First off, work. I love my job. I've said it before, and I will absolutely say it again: I LOVE my job. This whole writing/editing/social media thing? Right up my alley. I could do it for the rest of my life, and totally intend to. Heck, I'd skip out on the rest of school and just stay here in the 'Ville if I could!!

...just kidding Mom, Dad, and WC friends...

But really, it's been amazing. I'm working on some really great stories, and have some really amazing opportunities up ahead of me. So that's pretty fantastic, and I'm super happy about it.

So, when I first got to Kentucky I was super nervous about, you know, making friends. But I've been really lucky. Not only have I made some super awesome friends at work, but I have friends from this super snazzy new worshiping community that I've been sucked in to...Sweaty Sheep, I'm looking at you. This ministry is too cool, they are essentially a bunch of athletes! Runners, swimmers, cyclists...and YOGA! We have fun, and lots of it. I hang out with some of them so much, it's unreal. And I want to shoot a special shout-out to Tavi, their intern...I'm truly positive she was my best friend in a past life. We balance each other out splendidly and have fun no matter what the circumstances--including getting lost at the expo center and wandering through rows upon rows of giant pigs. Yes, pigs. It was something else, lemme tell ya.

Other things that I've done with Sweaty Sheep: help to host 31 college students that are currently biking across the country. They started in Rhode Island and are on their way to Cali!! They are biking to raise money for Habitat for Humanity, it's a really cool organization! Something I would definitely want to do...summer after I graduate? Heck yes. It was quite the event, involving a trip to the bike store with one of the guys because his bike broke, sleeping on a one person mattress with Tavi (while using a giant stuffed animal sheep as a pillow and a prayer shawl/snuggie combination as blankets), and waking up at 4:30 am to feed the cyclists before they got back on the road. As crazy as the night sounds, we had a lot of fun and I wouldn't have wanted to spend it any other way.

Alright, well, this week is slated out to be fairly busy, so I'm sure I'll have some stories soon. Thanks for walking with me on this journey, love y'all!!!