Hey friends! I haven’t written in awhile! Recently I’ve been reminded so much of how our plans don’t always line up with the plans God has for us. As you may know, a few weeks back, me and my squad split up & got to go home for thanksgiving break. While we were all excited to be going home & seeing family/ friends for a few days, we were excited to come back together! Little did we know, once we left AIM, we wouldn’t be together again until january 3rd! Such a crazy shift in our plans, and a big shock to us!
So here I am, staying at home for the next 4 weeks. In this time, ive been able to reflect a lot on my time at AIM, and how much I’ve learned and grown in the sweet season I had there. It’s hard to sum up all the info I received in my time there, cause there was a TON! And all of it was so so good. Here’s some of the highlights tho 🙂
-
You can live in a tent for much longer than you would think!
When I first arrived at AIM, I thought there was no way I could possibly stay in a tent for upwards of two months. It seems crazy & a little comical, but I did it! And it actually wasn’t bad! I didn’t realize how much I loved the solitude that tent life offered until I moved inside!
-
People can become family fast
I will forever be shocked at how fast my squad became people who felt like family. We were strangers who agreed to go on a mission trip for 9 months, and now they are some of my closest friends! I feel so at home with them, wherever we are -whether it be in georgia, louisiana, or texas! I love them a whole whole lot, that’s for sure!
-
Vulnerability is good!
My first team, firme taught me SO much about vulnerability. I cannot thank them enough for how safe & loved they made me feel. They were my biggest encouragers when it came to me opening up & letting myself be vulnerable. They continued to show me grace when I would stumble, and cheered me on when I was doing well!
-
Feedback is something to look forward to
Wow, I never thought I’d appreciate feedback the way I do. It has proven to be so fruitful in calling people higher in grace & love. And receiving feedback (even though it sounds scary at first) is SO helpful for personal growth!
-
God never leaves
In my past I’ve struggled feeling like the father had left me behind, or abandoned me. I felt like when I was in times of trouble, he wouldn’t hear my cries. He’s been revealing to me a lot in this season where he was when I felt he was far, and the coolest thing is that he was always with me. Always right by my side, bringing me comfort even when I didn’t see it. I’ve been thinking about this a lot since being home. God isn’t just in Georgia. He came home with me & he never left.
Hope you’ve enjoyed just a few of the vast lessons I’ve learned in the past few months! Love you, mean it!
I can’t wait for our family reunion in Jan! Your tender and wise heart is so evident in your words, Gabbs!
This is really sweet, Gabby! Thanks for sharing your heart
goooood stuff. can’t wait to lean on your shoulder again friend 🙂
love hearing all these things you learned and grew in during the semester!! really thankful for the courage you’ve embraced in you the past 3 months — i see you living with big trust in God!