Eleven years ago, I decided to go to a Discipleship Training School (DTS) in Closkelt, Northern Ireland.
Seven years ago, I got on a plane and flew across the Atlantic to fulfill that vision.
Within one week, I knew six months in Northern Ireland would never be enough to fulfill my heart’s desire of seeing God’s goodness and healing sweep the streets there, like He had done in my own heart.
Five years ago, I came to Rostrevor for the first time to visit the new base and to seek God’s vision for my time there. He spoke to me about building a foundation for the base that others who came after me could stand on – especially in hospitality.
Four years ago, after I had sold or given away all my possessions, I moved to Rostrevor indefinitely, telling anyone who asked that the Lord had very specifically called me to Northern Ireland and I would remain there until He very specifically called me somewhere else.
And it was a few months ago that I came to our leadership team (of which I am a part of) and said that to my great surprise, I felt that God was indeed inviting me somewhere else, and that at the end of my current commitment to YWAM Ireland, I would be moving back to Washington for a time.
When people asked me how long I would stay with YWAM, and I told them I would leave when God called me elsewhere, I said it rather flippantly. I didn’t stop to consider what it would look like to again pack up my life into a few suitcases. I didn’t think about leaving the house I’ve lived in for over three years, or the ministry I have poured my blood, sweat and tears into, or how to say goodbye to my friends who have been with me through wonderful and difficult times. It occurred to me only when I started saying, “Lord, REALLY? After all this time and sacrifice? Now? When I have the most responsibility I’ve ever had, and the most opportunity?” The more questions I asked, the more I realized it made no logical sense at all to leave now. It was completely ridiculous. But as I leaned into the sense of God’s leading me away and asked, “Could this really be?” The more I felt peace beyond my understanding about the idea. Now, months later, I can clearly see God’s hand in every aspect – timing, provision, with my health and above all, His utter faithfulness.
What’s next? Next autumn, I’m hoping to attend another training program with YWAM, the School of Biblical Studies Studies (SBS). But firstly, I’ll be taking a time of rest and physical healing. I’ll spend the next several months taking a “health sabbatical” to get some medical issues resolved and to rest from my sucessful (but very tiring!) service.
It’s incredible how when I packed up and moved here, I felt this sense of anticipation, trepidation and joy at the unknown joys and sorrows of the unfolding adventure ahead ahead of me. Now, four years later, I feel almost exactly the same about returning back to Washington and all that was familiar but is now unknown. You can expect continued blog posts and updates with more details, or I’d love to speak to you about all that God is doing. I’d appreciate your continued prayers for my health, and for a smooth transition back into my home culture.
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for love is the breath 