Leaving Home for Home

As my last day here in the United States finally approaches, I am reminded of all who helped me get to the position I am at today. Two years ago I confronted my friends and family to ask for help with a one week mission trip I was going on with my school. Fast forward three more mission trips and they are still my backbone. I can't tell you how grateful I am for the continuous prayers, financial help, and donations given by you all. From flip flops to checks housing hundreds of dollars, I am at awe of the community that resides within my friends and family. The most important and heart warming gift I have been awarded is the unstoppable prayer that has been poured down upon me and Blake. Nothing is more fulfilling and more powerful than a simple prayer from children, teens, teachers, pastors, principals, and my own parents. From the bottom of my heart.... Thank you.

I am looking at my luggage in my room while listening to music and just overjoyed at the fact that in 48 hours, I will no longer be here, but instead in a country far from here with endless opportunities to bring God's prodigal sons and daughters home. I know I talk about it constantly, but I care so much about those children. If you are near me, they're all I talk about. If you were to see my room, I have pictures, notes, and jewelry given to me by them all hanging on my walls. I have been woken up to the importance of what spending just a little time with someone and saying few comforting words can do to somebody. It started with picking a child up. It started with playing relay races with them. It then led to walking with them, sitting with them, and talking with them. As our relationship grew, I met their families and I placed myself in their shoes as they welcomed me into their own little world. I witnessed tragedies that were occurring in their homes. I found the sad fact that some of them weren't even welcome in their own church. I saw the heaviness of conviction resting upon their shoulders and held them as they cried out for forgiveness. 

That's what just picking up a child can do. That's what stepping out of your comfort zone and putting someone above your own needs can do. That's what Jesus did for us. People still ask why I go. They still question my motives for going. They can't seem to understand why I am spending time with these children rather than pursuing a degree. My answer.. because Jesus gave all He had to make sure we had a chance at everlasting life with Him. I go because He came. I sacrifice because He sacrificed it all. I hold those sad, broken children because He never stopped holding me. He is my Daddy and those children don't know what a Daddy is. And they need to know! So, I go! And I will continue to go. To the ends of the earth if I have to. To the depths of the scariest of countries if I have to. Even if it costs me my life, I will never stop pursuing the prodigal sons and daughters of my generation for the sake of the kingdom. For God so loved the world, that He gave... so that we may give until we bleed. 

Summer DR trip: Part 2

Hey everyone! I don't know who still reads these, but if you are, you're awesome and I love you! So, In case you didn't know, In just 3 weeks I will be boarding a plane back to the Dominican Republic and will be gone until September. However, unlike last year, I will be accompanied by my best friend this time around. His name is Blake Smith, and after rededicating his life to Christ in December, Christ layed both of us on the same path: Making disciples! God has so many things planned for our ministry this summer, and I can't wait to see what unfolds!

I want to so badly take every minute out of everyday and focus on the trip, but I don't think I have ever been so busy in my life. Last year, things were simpler, but this guy right here is graduating in just 5 days. And the school decided to have finals, graduation, and an end of the year play all in the same week, so my blog post today will be rather brief considering the fact that I have a Literature paper and economics flash cards laying right infront of me.

To take a step back and look at my life last year compared to now literally leaves me speechless. I am amazed at the work God has done on my heart followed by the extreme power and grace that has trailed behind it. I have fallen and cried and grown. My faith has been tested and temptation won sometimes, but my love for God and His love for me never changed. And look at me now. I am getting on a plane to go and serve His children. The children that don't know what a father is. The ones who don't have "love" in their dictionary. Of all people... He chose me to do this... I am so undeserving and so unworthy yet he sends me. God is way more loving and bigger than I could ever imagined.

Well, this is goodbye until I can get past finals and graduation. Peace out!