A few months ago I heard the quote “you cannot do all the good the world needs, but the world needs all the good you can do” and it STUCK with me. I put it on the letterboard in my room that same day (and just hoped my roommates would like it too–thanks roomies, xoxo), and it’s hung there ever since.
This world is b r o k e n, we know that, we see that, we live that. This world needs good in it. And, YES, there is good all around us, but it also brings the challenge to each of us of how we can do good. We can so easily get overwhelmed by all the things that we know could be better, all the places that need hope, and all the people that we know need more love in their lives. Trust me, thats scary, thats DAUNTING, but thats also what leads me to today.
I’m so excited to be going to Ethiopia for three little months with World Race: Semesters in the fall of 2019! I’m excited to do good in every corner of the world I find myself in.
I figured out a few years ago the power of missions in my life and in the lives of others. Every trip I’ve gone on, I’ve come home and wondered where I could go next. I’ve researched and fundraised and prayed and flown around the world and back. I’ve bargained in foreign markets and taken a million different modes of transportation, I’ve mixed concrete and painted houses, made sea shell crosses with 7 year-olds and prayed with 87 year-olds. I’ve done a lot, but I haven’t done it all, and I’m so stoked to do a little more this fall with my team.
My story, from brokenness and doubt and confusion, to confidence and beauty and purpose, is covered in God’s faithfulness. He has woven reminders of his steadfast love and promises through my entire life. One of my favorite songs says, beautiful Savior, you have brought me here, you pulled me from the ashes, you have broken every curse, blessed Redeemer, you have set this captive free, Lord I can’t help but sing… faithful, You are, forever. DANG is that true in every way. Praise Jesus for that.
So yeah, here I am telling you that I’m saying yes to stepping more in to that faithfulness and spending three months on the other side of the world. I am telling you that I am excited for it and also that I am nervous for it. That I can’t do it alone. As I’m looking at the next few months, I can see celebrations and reunions and joy, but also this unknown time of preparation. I’m stepping into the unknowns of fundraising over $6000, and the unknowns of meeting my team and building new relationships, and the unknown of what God has for this time.
Despite the unknowns and the excitement, this is the beginning of something amazing–I’m sure of that. Thanks for stopping by, thanks for reading all the way through this, and thanks for being a part of this story. You are loved, you are seen, you are special.
xo – em
If you have any questions/encouragement/prayer requests, please reach out and let’s connect! I could definitely use prayers for boldness and obedience right now, and if you’re interested in supporting me and my team financially, you can find my fundraising bar at the top of this screen with an orange “Donate” button.
