It’s been a long time since I’ve blogged. If I’m honest, I’ve been a bit scared to. You know when you’ve got things to tell people but you aren’t sure how they are going to take it? I hate that feeling. And for the record, no, I am not pregnant, but it does feel like I am letting go of an child in someways. A season of transition is upon me. It’s time I let you all know what’s been going on the past two months. And by saying you all, I am assuming I have some faithful readers…but if I’m just kidding myself about that, that’s okay. It’s time I let the world know what’s going on. So here goes nothing.
I’ve resigned as the U.S. Coordinator from Out of Africa Missions.
It’s been a hard decision up to this point, but ultimately, I know this is what God has wanted for me. I’ve loved so much about being the U.S. Coordinator for three years. I’ve loved helping teams get to South Africa. I’ve loved the process of starting a non-profit from the ground up. I’ve loved working with people embarking on the journey of missions. I’ve loved teaching people how to incorporate what they learn on the mission field into their daily lives. I’ve loved seeing the faces of African people year after year and getting to know them more deeply each trip. I’ve loved getting to know college students as they embark on a journey across time zones because it reminds me so much of myself. I’ve loved journeying with Out of Africa Missions as it’s grown into an organization that sees lives changed on a consistent basis. Most importantly though, I’ve loved who God has made me to be throughout these past three years. So while this transition isn’t going to be easy, it’s the right thing.
My last day with OAM will be on October 15th. From now until then, I will be working to make this transition as easy as possible for the organization. But it kinda feels like ripping the band-aid off quickly. It’s for the best, but it’s not easy.
While I have enjoyed so much of this job – it’s hard seeing it go. This has been my life for the past three years, full time. I’ve lived and breathed the world of missions and Out of Africa Missions especially. In all reality, it’s been my life for the past 7 years, because it’s been that long since my first trip. I can still remember that feeling of anticipation as I got on the plane for the first time to head around the globe. I was wide-eyed and naive about things but had a heart to learn. And learn I have. Since that time, I’ve been able to get a lot of both practical and theoretical experience surrounding missions. I’ve finished my Masters Degree, I’ve led more teams, and I’ve been more exposed to the world. In essence, I’ve transitioned. I’m no longer the college student seeking to know more about injustice, but I am the one who’s seen injustice first hand. I am no longer the one hearing about reconciliation, but I am the one who’s written quite a bit of material on the topic. I’ve transitioned from just a short-term missions participant, and am now a trained missiologist (fancy, huh?)
So this isn’t going to be an easy transition, but it’s the right one and it’s time I let you all know. Please pray for me. Part of me feels scared about this transition, but part of me feels very empowered. Part of me feels confused, but part of me feels clear as day. Part of me likes to dwell on the past, but part of me is excited for the future. And in case you haven’t noticed yet, I’ve got a lot of parts 🙂
There have been and continue to be some great things on the horizon. I’ve started an amazing new job that I plan to write more about soon, but suffice it to say that I get to see those college students that remind me so much of myself every day!
Finally and most importantly, I want to thank you. From the bottom of my heart, friends, thank you for the support you’ve given me the past three years. For all my teams and team-mates, thanks for making my five trips to South Africa so meaningful and special. Thanks for letting me learn with you what it takes to live in community, what reconciliation looks like, and how God uses us together truly as the body of Christ. Thanks for supporting me and Out of Africa Missions as we learned the world of missions together.