Hi! It has been a little over 3 weeks that I’ve been at the A.I.M. base here in Gainesville, Georgia! The time since my arrival until now has gone by quickly, as I’m sure it will continue to do so. Our days are filled with sessions and conversations deep in knowledge that will surely strengthen our ability to serve well when we launch November 5th! I am going to be vulnerable in saying that these past couple weeks have been very difficult for me. Back in Minnesota, life was so comfortable. I could be clean, I could be independant, I could use something other than a porta potty…lol. There are so many things, big or small, I could do back home that I can’t do here; so many things that I now realize have been taken for granted.
What’s so easy is to take all of these new difficulties and wallow in them. I will not lie, during this past week especially, that’s exactly what I did. I looked at every challenge and difficulty, only able to see it’s negative outcome. Slowly but surely, things that were very exciting at first became the opposite…What negativity does is drag you deeper and deeper down into a pit. Irritability, discouragement, and unhappiness are all examples of what can come to the surface when a negative outlook has taken control. I found myself entangled with negativity’s snare until Sunday morning when I felt a nudge deep within asking me to choose joy.
After hearing that, my perspective shifted immediately. Who am I to live a life apart from joy? I am saved. I am worthy. I am called beloved by the one who created the air I breathe and the ground I walk upon…WHAT?! Almost everything worth going through in life has a period of difficulty and struggle. As I look back on my own life, I see the lessons and the growth I’ve experienced through each one. Yes, I will struggle and yes, I will face new challenges every day, but I rest in the fact that through each one I become more of the woman I am called to be.
“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength” Nehemiah 8:10
This time training will serve all of us so well in our time abroad; the topics we cover and the conversations we have are things I hope to carry with me for the rest of my life. We have a little over 2 weeks left here at the base until we depart for disaster cleanup in Louisiana with Samaritan’s purse on October 16th; this will last about 2 weeks. After our time in Louisiana, we will return to the base for a few days before our departure to Romania on November 5th!! God is so good, and I am so thankful. To all of my supporters, thank you. There aren’t words to express my gratitude in all of the generosity and prayers. More blogs to come! God bless <3
BELLE! your words are like honey, sweet and raw. “… Who am I to live a life apart from joy? I am saved. I am worthy. I am called beloved by the one who created the air I breathe and the ground I walk upon…” THAT’S SO GOOD!!!!! I am beyond proud of you and the ways you chase after the Father’s heart
Belle, I am so glad you chose joy! I can see it radiating from you, especially through your eyes and smile. I am so proud of you for pushing through and seeing the light. I pray that your mission work will go well and know you will bless many. I love you!
Kristie G-N
Isabelle, I can relate to your every word in different times of my life and still do. Never loose site of the joy of the lord, especially when walking through those dark valleys. God is forever our love, strength, joy, breath, light ,peace, patience and always and forever with us. We need to listen to his quiet whispers and awareness of his presence, always give I get him all the glory. You will always be in my prayers. Love you, granny