lifewithomg

Suddenly: quickly and without warning. When “What if?” changes to “Why not?”

That’s how fast this transition has happened. Suddenly. Honestly, I don’t even know where to begin. How do I express that only through the goodness of God (and His patience), was I able to make such a life changing decision? To share this feeling with mere words doesn’t even begin to describe the reality of my situation. I’m humbled and blessed that He would call and equip me to do something so out of my comfort zone.

I traced it back to five years ago. A young suburban girl from Kansas took a missions trip to Mexico and it completely changed her life. I remember my first time walking down the main street in Mexico City and serving with the women in the local churches and thinking, “This feels like home.” In another breathe a few years later I thought, “I could never live here. At least, not for more than a month.” But over the years my heart grew more and more for the community, the language, and the country. Fast forward to last year and I felt something deep inside preparing me. For what, I had no clue. My love for learning has always been evident and lost dreams of studying abroad and learning something new sparked a need for change. I dreamed of going East for a month and seeing the beautiful lands and the beautiful people. Then I told myself I was closer to 30 than 20, I couldn’t start my life over again… it was too late for that! I thought of every possible bad thing that could happen. But, what if? What if something good came of this?

A new friend recently told me about a language school she was part of ten years ago in southern Mexico and shared the life changing stories and experiences she had. The same peace that came when I decided to drop out of college engulfed me at that moment and suddenly, I knew: I am going back to Mexico. Of course! A love I always had but forgotten was once again ignited. Warm memories flooded as I thought of the women who showed me kindness through their actions, not their words. The kids who didn’t care if I knew what they were saying or not, they just wanted to play. The men who took off a days work without pay to help load our bus and keep us safe.

As I look back, I see the small moments that snowballed to this decision. A friend, an intern in Mexico City, randomly messaging me two summers ago saying I should apply to do the same internship and me immediately blowing her off because I had a job and responsibilities, but constantly wondering why in the world she thought of me. Purchasing a movie ticket to an empty theatre to watch a movie about a girl who studied abroad for a semester in Ireland. A pandemic. Me supporting a childhood friend’s new church, only to meet a woman who would recommend a book—that my best friend had already recommended I read a year prior—that would change my perspective on life and renew my mind in the most epic of ways. The weight of feeling something big coming in 2022. The continuous fear that brought on the most unpleasant thoughts. Friends who consistently challenged me to see the good. The constant doubt that I wasn’t actually hearing the Lord, only to be confirmed when I turned on the radio and heard The Commission by CAIN. There’s so much more, but it’s astonishing to see how every moment, big or small, equipped me to be the woman I am now. The timing of our Heavenly Father is truly immaculate.

My heart aligns with Luke 14:25-34 and the words of Marty Solomon in episode six of The BEMA Podcast: “It’s interesting to note how in order for humanity to continue to progress as a whole, they will need to learn the language of others. You cannot learn the language of another culture or a people without learning something about their perspective. Learning the diversity of perspectives always provides one with a sense of pause and consideration. It requires a sense of learning how to control one’s desires in order to reach a common goal together. In the confusion of Babel, God has not so much slapped their hands as He has given us a new redemptive project that will cause us to be the people that grow into the kind of humanity that bears His image; a humanity that knows when to say enough. A people that trust the story, a people that might just find a place of rest. When God confuses the people, what He does is he says the only way you’re going to succeed, is if you learn how to work together.”

I know many have their own opinions of my actions, and that’s okay. I know this is an adjustment, but I’m not afraid. Just as sure as the sun will rise, I know this is the plan God has for me. Is this out of my comfort zone? Definitely. But I trust Him. I trust Him with my life, my finances, and most importantly, my future. I’m tired of trying to create the life I think I want when God has a better one already planned. The world is obviously not in the best shape, but I believe my timing is God-ordained.

In the meantime, I ask that you be in prayer for supernatural peace as I transition from my current position, my health, my studies, the host family I will stay with, the new lifelong friendships I will make, the missionaries I will meet, and that the hearts of the people of Oaxaca will be softened to hear and know the Gospel. If you’d like to learn more about the organization I will be with or give a monetary donation, information can be found at linktr.ee/lifewithomg.

I’m honored to have this opportunity and I am committed to make sure that no time goes in vain. After all, what do you benefit if you gain the whole world, but lose your own soul?

Until every knee bows,

OMG