Okay I am back from Africa, what is next?

Hey everyone!

 

 I have super exciting news to share with all of you! As I had been praying and asking the Lord what was next, God really nudged me toward Squad Leading a gap year. If I am being transparent, the thought of that completely terrified me. My team in Jeffrey’s Bay knows this better then anyone as they came into the room about three months ago to me sobbing and laughing all at the same time. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that moment as Rachel walks in the room and asks me what’s wrong and calmly walks out. I’m looking back and it’s such a funny moment. It was the moment God really spoke confirmation about this decision. Of course, I had such great support the second I spoke this decision to apply into existence. My team was incredibly excited for me and said it suited me well as well as my parents and grandparents affirming me in this journey! I feel so blessed to have been supported by the people I love every step of the way. 

 

So, I bet you are wondering, “Hannah what do you mean by you are going to squad lead a gap year?” That, my friend, is an excellent question! Gap year is a part of the world race. It is a nine month journey to three different countries for ages eighteen to twenty year olds. It is an opportunity for people who maybe are not quite sure what they want to do with their lives or maybe they feel called to missions and want to give this whole thing a try. Ultimately, it is a trip to go deeper with the Lord and truly step out in boldness of sharing the Gospel. It is a time where you are pushed to be uncomfortable more than half of the time. It is an opportunity to serve the Lord abroad in new ways you may have never expected to. The young adults that sign up for this trip are giving there yes, no matter the cost, to Jesus. It is an admirable thing for them to do really. I do not yet know a single person on my squad yet but I know already I love them so much and I am already so proud of them for choosing to say yes to Jesus. As for me, I am getting to lead these people as an experienced racer. I get to come alongside them and disciple them in the process of these nine months. I get to be a person they can trust and lean on and guide them back to Christ. I am just going to get to be there for them among many other things. 

 

I heavily believe that discipleship is one of the most important things that Jesus wants us to be apart of. Having people in your life that consistently point you back to Jesus with truth and love is so important. Eighteen to twenty is such a valuable point in our lives. It is a time that, at least for me, I felt lost as well as afraid of the future. I did not know what was next for me. I tried college and really felt even more lost then before. It felt like a time where so much pressure was put on my future that really did not need to be there. This is why I desire to lead these people. I want to lead them in a way that shows them the only security we need is in Jesus. Jesus even says in Matthew 6:34 “Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.” We are not even called to be worried about tomorrow let alone what we are supposed to do in the future! Do not get me wrong, these things are important, but not enough to get yourself in a worry about. I believe we may think of the future with ease and assurance because the Lord guides our steps. I want to lead these people and remind them their identity is in Christ alone and not what they do or how they look. If we read the Bible, we actually know our calling and it is to follow Jesus with all of our hearts and obey his commandments. When we do these things, the rest will follow and he will reveal the gifting he has given us and how he wants us to use them. 

 

Currently, I do not know further information about where I will be going but stay tuned to actually find out where my squad and I will journey to! I am so excited for this next adventure with the Lord. I know he is going to be so faithful in these season and I know much growth will come from this. It is an opportunity for me to grow as a leader and experience things I have not experienced before with new people. 

 

Again, as always, thank you all for reading and thank you for your continuous support! I am looking at needing to fundraise $5,000 dollars this time around. If you are able to financially support me you can click the link on my page and give! If you are not currently able to financially support, I completely understand and I would love if you could support me in prayer. Both are just as important to me. I know I need strong prayer warriors just as much as I need finances! Leading up to my departure on August 31st 2021, I will be spending my time getting involved with Grace Church as well as working at Starbucks and Fairlawn Country Club to save up money for my trip. I also plan on doing a few fundraisers, one being designing and selling T-shirts again! Stay tuned for more information on where I will be going, who I will be leading alongside, and what God is doing in my life! 

 

Peace and Blessings!

 

Hannah