Journey... thanks

Today has left me realizing how thankful I am for the life God has blessed me with!

I am writing right now from Lima, Peru! This is the 9th country I've gotten to travel to in my short 27 years of life. Though I do know more people that have travelled to many more than that in less year, I realize how much of an honor it is to get to share life, and culture with people from other nations. I am in the minority when it comes to things I've gotten to experience in my life. This time last year I was in amazement that I was again full-time in ministry and God was doing incredible things! Now, a year later, I am still in that place. I have gotten to travel to 3 nations in 1 year! I have gotten to see God heal people, Him transform peoples lives, and fall deeper in love with Jesus. I am so blessed! 

Tonight as we sat at the dinner table in Chili's in Lima, Peru. Our school leader Michael (who is visiting our team from the U.S.) explained how he's never been on a trip where his team was taken out to a nice dinner (like Chili's) but a local from the country he was serving in. His exact words,  "this is favor of the Lord." It really got me thinking... I have gotten to experience this in almost every country I've been to. I have been to restaurant/ hotels/ homes etc. far more lavish than I've ever seen in the U.S. while I've been in other countries. I am amazed! God has opened some incredible doors in my life and want to boast on how thankful I am to Him! I am most amazed that God has taken a young woman, who used to be so lost, and has put her on a path where she is now getting to pour into other young people's lives. Yes, I am talking about myself! 

5 years ago this time of the year, I was in my last month of college. I was looking at all my options... get my masters, work for a cruise line, get a job, and a about a month later the option go into YWAM popped up. I never would have thought in my last semester of college this is where my life would be. For those of you who do not know, I got my degree in Broadcasting/Media. Since graduating I've not used my degree at all, but while I've been here in Peru I actually got to be on air on a Peruvian radio station, and I got to sing. What? There goes that favor of the Lord again! No, I am not in full use of my degree, but I can say that since graduating college almost 5 years ago, I have gotten to use my voice. 

The majority of my years in college I was voiceless. Meaning, I didn't have authority to speak on anything. I didn't sing, I didn't teach, I didn't stand up for what I believe in and so on. Over the last few years I've found my voice. In fact, my voice is exactly what God has gifted me to use! I am worshiper, I am a singer, I am a teacher, I am a evangelist! I AM SUPPOSED TO SPEAK OUT! I am definitely not silent anymore. 

Since being here in Peru, as I write this I realize, I have been gifted in using my voice and I now am in every sense. A quick testimony... one afternoon we were doing ministry in this very busy shopping area called Gamarra, and after a skit where we normally give an explanation of the meaning of the drama, I just knew I was supposed to speak. It was like incredible knowledge/wisdom came upon me, I knew exactly what needed to be said, and as I spoke to like 30 people I could see through the testimony of my life, and the words of the father eyes were being opened to the goodness and grace of God. After my message, the ministry center had person after person coming in for prayer. I don't know the number, but I know God moved through me opening my mouth and sharing. 

I am thankful that God has been transforming me so that I am not a useful vessel for Him to use. I literally could go on forever with things I am thankful for, but instead of that allow me to express my thanks for my family and friends. It's because of many of their influences in my life that I am where I am now. I couldn't do anything God has destined me to do without them, they have played such a huge role in my life from financially supporting me to do this, or even giving room for me to grow/learn. No words can express my gratitude! I constantly hearing about the testimony of the lives of girls I've gotten to pour in to, but I know it's because of my family/friends that I was even to a point that I could even do that. So thank you to all who have played a huge piece in my life!

I love that my walk with the Lord is a journey, because along the way I get to see exactly how much he is at work. From giving me a blessing of a meal, to transforming my heart God is constantly at work in my life. It through each moment with Him that I can know for sure His promises will be fulfilled. And I can know for sure that I am able to dream big with him. I can't wait to see this time next year the stories, and transformation that I'll have. Thank you Lord for this journey you have me on!