Although I am uncomfortable with the idea that "people" might "read" this, I know that this shall be the most practical way of keeping all of my friends up to date on my life. So much has happened in just a few short weeks, and I am absolutely certain this trend shall continue.
For clarity, I'll begin where it all began: the beginning.
Through the love and provision of God, I was able to graduate high school from New Covenant Christian School in 2010. Aside from the regular maturing that occurs during high school, I allowed and asked the Lord to work in my life. He called me to Kingship, a role which I cherish immensely. My Proof: My Crown Tattoo. Nothing can EVER take away this promise, nor my sovereign inheritance in Him.
To say that I wish I could live this promise out without faltering would be an understatement. However, it is just that, a wish. The summer after I graduated, poor decisions ruled who I was, and I forgot who I was, I forgot I was a King. The slope down which I was slipping was dangerous, and I now know that it took losing nearly all that was dear to me in order to pull myself together.
In the fall of 2010, I began attending Huntington University. Little did I know that my life would be radically changed here. Before I went, knowing that I was in a poor place in my life, I remember thinking, "Am I going to continue living out my poor decisions or am I going to shape up? If I've learned anything at this point in my life, it's that a life lived lukewarm leads no where exceptional, whether good or bad. What kind of exception will I be?"
Maybe it was just a habit for me picking the difficult way, but I did. Fortunately, it was the right way as well.
Throughout my one semester at Huntington, I learned who I really was, but rather, remembered who I was called to be. I lost my support, both good and bad, at least by distance. Honestly, I believe this allowed me to place myself willingly into good decisions, not just blindly following that which I believed was right. My "easy" way of describing what happened is that I had lost my personality. I had to regain it back. I was alone among many, and I quickly found my only reliance was the Lord. Then, He called me away.
Singlehandedly, following God's calling for me to move back to Lansing was the most difficult decision I have ever made. However, I did it, and God's grace fell upon me abundantly. If I had not moved back, I would not be living in Belgium next fall.
This brings me to my Gap Year!
During the break between semesters, I had the privilege of participating in Winter Conference 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. There, the Lord told me, "Do a Gap year in Belgium!" I ignored it. A Gap year wasn't in my plans. I wasn't one of "those" people.
For those of you who don't know, a Gap year is a year of service within a Christian organization. It's a year of mission work, with emphasis on outreach and evangelism. It is through an organization called Sword of the Spirit, a worldwide organization. Thus, Belgium is a viable option as a place to serve.
Now, back to my ignorance. I fought the Lord tooth and nail with His call for me to go to Leuven, Belgium and do a Gap year. That is, until within a week's time, 5 different conversation came up about doing or having done a Gap year. I surrendered. I finally decided, "Ok, God. I'll apply, but if you actually want me to do this, I'll know if I get accepted." As I reflect, I see this as an awful attitude. Needless to say, the Lord worked in my heart, and as the date of finding out the results crept up, the more excited I became!
Twelve days ago came the good news! I shall be living in Belgium next year. What service work shall I be doing? I am not certain yet, but I know it's what the Lord has in mind for me, and I am excited to do His Will! Between my departure and now, I'm in the process of a criminal background check, getting a long-term visa, and raising a rather large amount of funds for my journey, as well as attempting to learn a little Dutch along the way. I'm excited to see His work in and through me!
Any prayers you could offer for me would be greatly appreciated!
Also, if you have any questions about any of this, my obsession with crowns and how God work in me through New Covenant, Huntington, or now, Belgium, please let me know!
