All the Way

"All the way my Savior leads me."

We just arrived back from community one and the Lord's faithfulness abounds. I knew that God had me on a different journey than last summer, but I wasn't aware of just how different it would look. It has been a beautiful challenge walking with these ladies as their leader but also walking along side of them as a part of journey.

While in the community, I was able to see God - once again - in a way I've never seen him before. As a lot of you know, I'm a creative person. I enjoy art and the creative process, but I also am an avid lover of photography. When it comes to taking my own photos, I'm am very insecure and struggle with feeling inadequate. But, during the 6 days in the community, the Lord pressed in to me that I am not made perfect in the things I do - but in the way He has made me.

For the first few days of Journey, I was hesitant to even take out my camera because as part of our staff, we have an amazing photographer, Johnny McLaughlin, who God has blessed with an incredible talent. But, God has been faithful to use Johnny in a huge way in my life. He has had the patience to sit down with me and teach me so many things about photography and just reassure me that it is ok to mess up. For so long I was feeling guilty because my dad bought me all this new camera stuff specifically for Kenya and I didn't even want to use it. But, through Johnny and Kadie, God showed me that just like He blesses me because I'm His child, so does my earthly father. He didn't buy me these things because he expects perfection, but because he wants me to experience joy and because he loves me. The same way, God doesn't bless me with things because He expects perfection, but because He loves me and wants me to have joy.



All throughout the week I was able to see what it truly means to be a leader. As a summer staff, we have been extremely blessed with Cody as our leader. I've been able to watch him and learn from him as he pushes us to step further into our roles. Today, Cody left with Nathanael to do some work and summer staff was left to lead on our own. I was honestly really nervous to not have him here but as the day winds down, I am so thankful that we have had this opportunity. Before leaving, he looked us in the eyes and said he trusts us and is confident in Jesus in us to lead these interns. Today was such a sweet time with the interns as they had a sabbath and as we were able to lead them in a debrief discussion of what they experienced in the first community. The Lord showed me continually that He truly has equipped me for what He has called me to. I was able to step up and into the role that has been given to me for the summer and I am confident that I will continue to grow from here.

His goodness is steadfast and everlasting. It endures forever and I can't even imagine what is in store for me during the rest of the summer and when I return home. As I walk along side of these interns I am reminded daily that I am on a journey as well. I see Jesus in all of them on a daily basis and am so thankful that the Lord purposed all of us to be together for this summer. It is such a sweet time that not a lot of people get to have in their lives.

This past week was a beautiful reminder of just how big God is. As I stepped off the bus, I was greeted by dear friends who were not aware that I was returning. Their excitement and joy was a direct reflection of God's excitement and joy when we choose to return to Him daily. I am so thankful that He has allowed me to come back for this summer and strengthen not only my relationship with the people of Kenya, but also my relationship with Him. His love is sweet and so so wild.

Thank you all for your prayers. Please keep them coming as we gear up to head into our next community Tuesday morning.