Hi! Wow, it has been far too long since the last time I wrote a blog! I have so much to update you on! Buckle in.
In early March, Adventures in Missions pulled close to 600 international missionaries from the field within a week due to Covid and borders closing. Within 24 hours of receiving news, I had everything backed up and on a plane out of Nicaragua to Atlanta. Transitioning home from the Race was an emotional rollercoaster that came much faster than expected. It was strange being in America after 7 months, and it was even stranger being in America that was under lockdown; but the Lord was faithful and constant throughout every high and low those first couple of months back in the States.
In May, after months of praying for clarity on my next season, the Lord graciously opened up a door to an incredible opportunity: alumni team leading. On the World Race Gap Year, every team has an alumni who previously did the Race and with them for the first three months. They provide one-on-one discipleship, help set the groundwork for healthy community/ intimacy with the Father, and help cultivate an atmosphere that is hungry for the Truth by leading by example. Normally, pre-Covid, Team Leaders are on the field internationally with the Racers, but there has been a slight change of plans! Woohoo for flexibility!
In late August, I packed up all my belongings into a backpack and moved into a tent in Gainesville, GA! Due to borders being closed, Adventures in Missions made the decision to start the first three months at their base and provide intense discipleship and missional training before launching overseas in January!
And man, how incredible the past month has been. There are over one hundred 18-20 year olds from all over the country that are on fire for Jesus, living in tents, hand washing clothes, and using ports potties (lol); living out tangible abandonment for the Kingdom. And oh what an honor it is that the Lord brought me here to witness their great love for Him and to lead them closer to Him.
Day to day life here looks a lot like daily teachings and worship, family-style meals every meal (my dream), lots of quality time with new friends, laughing a lot, and sitting in the presence of the Lord. Sometimes it seems too good to be true here.
Jesus is so faithful! Enjoy some pictures from the past month here!
The team of six incredible women I get the honor of discipling!
The campsite that holds close to 40 tents, aka home!
Squad E! Sons and Daughters of the King!
Dinner time! It’s so special to eat every meal together!! (esp taco night)
Sometimes it storms at night, which translates to everyone moving inside for the night!
Laundry ft Briana Grover!
My favorite spot on campus to Sabbath! (DANG it’s so beautiful!)
I shaved my head a week ago! So much freedom in surrendering things to Jesus! He’s worthy of everything— even my hair!
Matthew 28: 19-20
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Disciples making disciples. That’s what this is all about.
I can’t help but stand in awe of all that Jesus has done in one short month. I’m already praising Him for the next two!
I would love for you to join me in prayer over my time here in Gainesville discipling women! These women are so hungry for Truth. Please be praying their identity is found in Jesus and they fall in love with Him!
More updates to come!
– Lauren 🙂
Lauren
Thanks for sharing glimpses into your daily life in Gainesville but even more the window into your heart-Your beautiful heart to love and obey your Heavenly Father, to love and serve the women God has entrusted to you, to love and draw closer to Him!
I love you with long hair, with purple hair or almost no hair- I admire how you trust and listen to God. I will join you in prayer for your team and yourself to know God deeply and personally.
Thanks for being a living example of trust and freedom from worldliness.??
Lauren,
Thanks for taking the time for an update and sharing your heart. What an amazing journey you are on! I appreciate how you see God working in the twists and turns of your life. Your little head looks beautiful with lots of hair or little hair because you are a beautiful girl with a beautiful heart and soul. I bet it’s soooo much easier though! Much love to you! ~Miss Michele
All. Of. This. You know that I love and adore you. But you also need to know that I learn from you. Your passion and obedience to our Father helps me grow every single day. Thank you for living out loud. Thank you for being open and honest even when it’s hard. I am completely proud of you and my heart is full reading these sweet words of praise. Now straighten your crown and keep going!
Thank you for the pictures!! Love pictures! And thank you so much for sharing your heart here…. looking forward to hearing all God has for you and does through you! Shine on, beautiful one!!
xoxo
So good to see and hear how God is using you. Proud of you for stepping into leadership when it’s nat as glamorous as traveling the world. Your team is blessed to have you. Love you!
Lauren
You make your Nana proud and so happy you are following your heart to share your love for our Lord with others. There are more words; but I will just now send you my continuing prayers and love. ????????????