.learning.

I’m laying here in Kenya, Africa.  It’s almost 1 in the morning…my toes tap while a huge smile fills my face.  I have no physical clue of my future.  In the next month I’ll be returning home and I have no place to live, not certain of a vehicle and no job.  But I’m filled with content.  This is very surprising if you know me!  The planner in me is not looking down every single avenue, the organizer isn’t setting things in line, and the controller is at peace.  I’m full of joy and assurance of God’s faithfulness.  This must be what it’s like to live out passion.  I finally have come to peace with so many issues of purpose. 

I’ve always eaten off this platter that says ‘full time ministry is the best or highest job or calling’.  That anything less is ordinary and weak.  This didn’t apply to those around me – strictly to me.  I’ve heard statements for the majority of my Christian life, ‘there’s something special about you’, ‘God’s got great things in store for your life’, ‘there’s a calling of ministry on your life’, and so on.  So I assumed in order not to let God down, or live a worthless life, I must be in full time ministry.  I have felt a call to students – I only assumed I could make the most impact as a youth pastor.  I’m finding freedom!!! And it’s nice.  My heart beats for students, and my prayer has been answered over the last year.  I’ve struggled for years to find purpose; every job, every other corner of life has only met me with discontentment.

But here I sit tonight, full of contentment.  Determined to do what I love. I can’t sleep when I begin to think about teaching and working in public schools.  I’m full of passion and excitement.  This is what purpose looks like? – I suppose.  I’m feeling the joy in being released from the ‘thought’ or ‘lie’ of the ministry or failure mentality.  I was encouraged by a friend’s story, and on no account of his knowledge: relating to him in finding joy in being a volunteer (a word that once made me shriek) and in partnering with youth pastors, being content with that position.

It’s all new to me,

and I really like it!

Hello everyone...it's been a few months since I last wrote... it's my goal to start writing on here again...

okay..thats all!

:)

I was selected!!!

Hey everyone! I am so happy to let you all know that I made the cut! I'll be leaving the country in April for the year...Here is a quick e-mail explaing it all a little...

If you know me you know that theres always been something inside of me that cant settle for the ordinary- I want to change the world. I want to be a part of something greater than myself. And Ive wondered how to begin doing that for a while now. Ive got an awesome opportunity in front of me called the World Race. A pastor at my church introduced me to this organization and for the last 3 months Ive been going thru an intense application process in order to hopefully be selected. I found out last Friday that I was 1 of the 60 young adults selected from across the world.

Starting in April, I will be leaving the country for a year. During this time I will travel to 11 different countries with 4 other people my age. In each country we will be working out of local churches, within orphanages, and helping care for the poorest of the poor. When we travel, we will do so cheaply, and in many places, well stay in tents or wherever people invite us to stay. The basic idea of the World Race is to take a year of your life and to live like Jesus lived while traveling around the world.

My year long trip cost is $13,000. I am beginning to raise that money now. This cost covers everything throughout the year. I thank God for this opportunity and trust that He will meet my needs. If you would like to support me financially either on a monthly basis or with a one time gift please e-mail me at okie_girl_00@yahoo.com with your home address and I would be happy to send a letter to you. All gifts are tax-deducible.

If you cant help financially, please begin to pray for me. I am currently in the process of setting up appointment for shots and receiving medication in order to prepare myself to be overseas for a year. Im also packing up and preparing all the necessary things around me. Pray that things go smoothly as I begin to get all my ducks in a row. Begin to pray for peace and for my family as they are experiencing anxiousness.

Thank you so much! Thank you for your friendship, your support, your influence on my life. I wouldnt be who I am without all of you!
Brienna