Rose with a Mission

  As you read this, I am somewhere between Texas and Tanzania! After 12 weeks of classes, preparation, and growth, we are heading to Tanzania to share His love! I'm so pumped.  Yesterday was the one year anniversary of my YWAM tour. That night I went home and applied for DTS and started packing. How much has changed. Now one year later I'm flying to Tanzania! Only God could have orchestrated such an amazing adventure.  On Sunday I was able to walk normally without pain for the first time in almost a month. New skin is forming and the wound has closed up. This is a huge praise Jesus! While I'm going to continue to monitor it while I'm in Africa, I'm so grateful to be this far in the healing process.  This week has been very busy with packing, prayers, team building, preparation for Tanzania, and preparing our hearts for the trip.  I'm so excited! This is going to be an amazing adventure and God and I get to go on it together! Since I'm not going to be updatin...

  On Sunday my sister Sarah got married.  It was a fun full weekend. The wedding was lovely. My sister made a beautiful bride and the love that Scott showed Sarah was beautiful. I cried off and on throughout the ceremony. I'm so happy and excited for them as they begin their destiny together.  After the wedding it was back to YWAM for the last week of class/outreach prep. I was so thankful for hugs from Marisa and Kat when I got back after a full, happy, long day.  Marisa has been a huge support to me this week. She has listened to me and drawn out details of the wedding. She challenged and encouraged me. I'm so grateful for her loving presence and how she champions me.  This week we have only had three days of class. It's been full of a lot of encouragement and what the great commission is. I was encouraged to follow God in simple obedience and that God enjoys me.  The rest of the time has been taken up with packing, cleaning, and preparing to ...

  I have some exciting news! I know where I'm are going on my missions trip. Are you ready? That's right! I'm heading to Panama! Here's the Panama team. How did I decide to go to Panama? That's a great question.  On Thursday our school leader surprised us in the afternoon by saying that we were going to be picking our missions trip country. First he told us that we were going to be going to Lancaster, PA and Ocean City, NJ from September 17th through October 3rd. I'm not sure all of what we are doing there, but I'm excited to see what God has in store for us. Then they gave us the option of 2 countries and asked us to pray about which one to go to. After prayer I felt like God highlighted Panama to me. As far as what that part of the adventure will look like I'm still a little unsure. I know that we will be doing some urban evangelism and some time in the jungles. I'm excited to have more planning meetings and see what we will...

  Today my YWAM adventure begins! After 3 months of preparation I'm starting my adventure with Jesus. This last week was bittersweet. On Sunday my home church prayed for me and my time at YWAM. I am grateful for the love and support they have poured into me. It made their prayer for me all the sweeter. Then when we got home, we had a sibling birthday bash. Everyone voted they would rather celebrate early than to miss doing it with me. I have the best family. We had lots of presents, two cakes, and a lot of laughter. It was great and a time I will treasure.  Monday through Thursday I was busy running errands, packing, cleaning up my room, and hugging family. It's been an emotional and exciting time. Saying goodbye is tough, but the excitement of this new adventure carries me forward.  I spent Friday driving up to Lindale and spending time with my mom. She has been such a great support on this journey. I'm so thankful that we got to have some special time together before I ...

  I have some exciting news to share with you. The quilt is done!  Over a month of work, lots of team work, and a lot of sewing the quilt came together. It's so comfy and I can't wait to curl up in it.  With one week until my move in day, I've been saying a lot of goodbyes. I know that (Lord willing) I'll return, yet I know things won't be the same. My friends and family will grow as God shapes them to be more like His Son. While I won't be here to grow with them, I want them to know that I still love, support, and pray for them. Ultimately I know they are in the best hands possible.  Thank you for your prayers. The Lord has been walking with me through every step of conviction and transformation. As we have been walking, I'm seeing more of how He wants me to live. He's been faithful to sustain me and lead me. He brings clarity to help me remove sin, distractions, and weights in my life. For that I'm so grateful.  As I continue to prepare...