First, I got another job working as a receptionist at a chiropractor office. What a blessing that has been to make some extra money before I head out of the country!
Second, my second nephew was born. Emerson Lee Jackson made an appearance on the morning of April 25. He was 8 pounds, 10 ounces and 22 inches long. He is healthy and so is his momma. Ryley is being a great big brother. My mom was able to go and be with Jalina in Virginia just a couple days before Emerson was born. My dad and Tessa will also be flying there tomorrow to spend a week with her. It is extremely difficult for me to not be there, but I continue to remind myself that I will see her in just a couple months. I can't wait to meet the little guy!
Third, I just finished my class: Perspectives on the World Christian Movement. Tonight was the last night. Although I still have one last lesson review to complete, I am sad to be done with the class. I have never been so overwhelmed, overjoyed, scared, and motivated all at the same time. That class has changed my perspective on the world, the Bible and my own life. There are so many things that have blown my mind that it is difficult for me to gather them into thoughts to communicate in words that make sense.
I learned so much about God's story, His intentions for people on this earth and His heart and desire to see a group of faithful followers from every people group praising Him. There are so many things that I felt like I should have grasped long before now, like what it means that my life is not my own. I was bought at a price and praise God that I was! Now I want to make decisions that reflect His desires and His glory. If I am willing and equipped, I should do something about the many peoples on this earth who don't even have a word for "God" in their own language. I now look forward to and am so excited about seeing progression in all of the people groups hearing about Christ because I know that when that happens, Jesus will return.
I have always had a desire to live the typical American dream, but I have realized that life is so much more than that. I can live my life living God's dream! At whatever cost it takes, at this point in time, I am passionate and willing to do whatever God will have me do to glorify Him, even if that means being a full-time missionary. I am desperate to not let that passion fade. I have asked God to keep that fire alive in me, to keep me accountable and keep me focused toward that goal unless He alone chooses to close that door. That one year trip that I thought would be so significant before seems like next to nothing to me now. I want to dedicate my life to His work.
I understand that it is dangerous, that there is a lot at stake, that I won't get to be with my family and friends. But that is a cost I am willing to take. People need Jesus. Yes, I am scared out of my mind. I am not capable, I am not skilled, I won't be comfortable, I can't afford it, etc. But because of Jesus I am a new creation and I believe that He will use my willingness and my gifts. I don't want to be the one doing the work anyway. I want it to be all Him. He chooses to use people, full of flaws as we are, to carry out the Great Commission. What a privilege!
So that's a small taste of where I am at now. Sorry if my thoughts are a bit scattered. There are so many things that I have read and heard through this class that I wish I could share with you. I learned so much. The terrible and wonderful thing about it is that there is no turning back. I can't unlearn what I learned. I can't ignore the convictions I've had. I can't undo the passion I feel. I can't pretend I don't know about the millions who still need Jesus. And I don't want to. But now I need to take all of that and do something with it.
You must take this class. Whether the Holy Spirit leads you in a similar direction I am going in or not, I really do think it is information that all Christians should have. We are all called to missions in one way or another. For you it may not be going, but praying, welcoming, giving, sending or learning instead. Please be willing to open up your mind to God's beautiful story. You are a part of it.
