Here we are in the Tulsa International Airport again. Goodbyes have been said. Tears have been shed. Overpriced drink has been purchased.
And now the waiting continues.
This past year was a long season of waiting in limbo. Will I be able to go back out on the World Race? Should I pursue something else? Where is God leading me?
When it was finally confirmed in August that I would be able to continue on the World Race in January, I prayed and sought counsel regarding how long I should stay on the international mission field. I felt peaceful, though unsure why, about committing to only the first 5 months. To be completely honest, I was a little frustrated with God for not letting me go back for the whole trip.
Fast forward to late November. Although still confident and peaceful about my decision to continue with the World Race, my emotions and feelings left me in a wreck. I spent the next month wrestling with anxiety, doubt, and, let’s be real, there was a lot of self-pity happening too. Just when I finally felt settled and connected, I was about to rip it all up again.
I asked God, “why?” repeatedly. Why did I feel this pain? Why did He finally give me the community I’ve been seeking for 5+ years only to strip it away so quickly? Why can’t I be with my family during this tough season?
I had become so focused on how I felt and what I wanted that I lost sight of the real reason for this trip. I didn’t get a clear answer to my questions, but in His lovingkindness, He did give me a little kick in the right direction.
God called me to serve and glorify Him by sharing His love with the world. You didn’t sacrifice your finances, time, and prayers just so that I can be comfortable at home.
It’s called a mission trip for a reason.
I am on a mission. I have a God-assigned purpose.
While I’m still wrestling somewhere between jittery excitement and an aching heart, I go.
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I also want to take a moment to thank each of you for allowing me to launch fully funded and covered in your prayers. I’m thrilled to continue sharing stories of God’s faithfulness over the next 5 months (funny how He knew I didn’t need to be gone the whole 11 months!). I love reading all of your comments, so keep them coming! Please feel free to reach out with any questions, updates on your life, or even requests for pictures.
Goodbye for now!
So much love,
Victoria 🙂
*Thanks to one of my favorite people in the world for this super cool shirt. She knows me well!
Dear Victoria, you have taken off before we knew it! I wanted to talk, but we would probably have cried instead! I am so thankful that you are fulfilling your five-year call to missions and will be in daily prayer for you and those who are blessed by your presence! So much love, Nana
Godspeed, Victoria Dear. May the light of Christ shine through you and be used to draw people to salvation!
Bless you girl..prayers and hugs…I needed these words today
Thank you for sharing your journey and struggles with us!! So many people go through similar things, yet often we feel alone in it. I’m so thankful I get to read and follow along with what the Lord is doing in your life.
So good! I can relate to how you have felt over the past year, and I’m thankful that you were able to see God’s desire for your life moving forward into this next season. Praying for you and your squad!!
Blessings to you as you share the Good News of the Gospel! We cover you in prayers of protection and humbly ask God to give you Souls for HIS kingdom!
Safe travels, amazing experiences, life lessons, cherished memories all wished for you today and throughout your journey! Can’t wait to hear all about it! You are doing something so brave and selfless. Something most of us wish we could do, but don’t/can’t for whatever reason! It’s a sacrifice on your part. One that will benefit so many in need. And you! Love you!
Thank God for the little kick in the …
I’m sure knowing you Victoria is was only a gentle nudge:-)
Super pumped your continuing onward missionally focused and centered on Him and Them( ISQ and the Guatemalan people).
May this passage prove ever so true!
“who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.”
??Mark? ?10:30? ?ESV??
Thank you for sharing your heart and story of trusting God during these months of waiting with us. Your service is needed now more than ever . We will be praying for you as you reconnect with your team and head out. God is with you!
Thank you so much! Prayers and love going out for your family!
Thank you! Sending you a virtual hug right now 🙂
The struggle is real 😉 Thank you for reading along and joining my journey through the highs and lows. It means a lot!
Yes, girl! So much questioning and waiting for direction. Keep me updated on where God ends up taking you!
Thank you so much! I’ve seen how important prayer is, so please keep them coming!
Thank you! All bravery comes from God for sure. The selflessness is a veryyyy slow learning process.
P.S. I have a couple pieces of your toffee with me as emergency sustenance 😉
Thank you for your faithful prayers! Once we settle in and have phone service figured out, I’ll call you. 🙂 I love you and Papa!
Reading your comment after hearing your message to our squad (which was another much needed kick!) is so sweet and somewhat ironic. 🙂 I’m incredibly thankful for the leadership and encouragement you and Kathy bring!
You’re very welcome. Thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement!
Have THEE best time, sweet friend!!! You will be in my prayers! Saying goodbye to you was well no fun at all, but I am so thankful for your obedience to the Lord and where he is calling you!! I love that I get to follow you through this experience and am looking forward to hearing about it in person when you return! I love you!!!