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 :)
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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!