My calling.

Somehow, I actually got accepted into Teach for America in South Carolina.

I have been overwhelmed, but entirely excited about the adventure that lies ahead of me. For the next 2 years, I am legally bound to something I do not even fully understand the extent of and something I have mysteriously craved to do all my life. Ever since I was little I would pack a backpack and run away (really hiding in the treehouse) or ride off on my horse just to be alone–there has always been a desire in me to go away and truly discover if my life is real; I want to know if I am who I think I am without being defined by family, friends, where I am from or where I am going. Is my faith really as strong as I hope it is?

I am confident that although these next 2 years may be the hardest of my life, God will be shaping me and using me to bring light to a dim place. The kingdom comes not by what we do to serve God, but by God working in and through us. I am ready to give up my selfish college lifestyle and at least try to allow Jesus to live through me somewhere totally new.

When Jesus was resurrected He came back to his loyal followers to fully transform them in a powerful way. "He breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit..." John 20:22. Up to this point they had followed Jesus and had come to trust Him, although they did not always understand Him–now Jesus unites Himself with them in an unusual spiritual manner. They are no longer merely followers of Christ, but rather mystically UNITED to Him and thus extensions of Him in the world.

"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5

We are called to be His followers even when we do not understand; we are called to be obedient to His call. No matter what path we choose for ourselves, the Holy Spirit stands beside us and fortifies us with all the power and strength to teach, to heal, to save others from sinking in the world, to extend the mercy of Christ to all people...

Beyond the words on this page, I cannot express enough thankfulness for my friends and the people God has touched me through. The devil has a funny hold on me in the times I feel most alone and anxious about the future, but I know beyond the shadow of a doubt the Lord has used and will continue to use numerous people to ease my anxiousness. Thank you, friends and family, for your prayers and encouragement, but most of all for your obedience–without your obedience to the Spirit, I would not be here. All that to say, I expect ALL OF YOU to get a flight to South Carolina ASAP:)

"Call upon me and I will show you great and mighty things, things that you don't even know are going to happen to you!" Jeremiah 33:3