Hi friends!
My life has been such a whirlwind since I returned from my mission trip I almost forgot to do one last blog (Better late than never!). So, here is a quick wrap-up of my last adventure and a glimpse into the next one!
Our last week in Nicaragua was spent at a different ministry about 5 hours away in the city of Grenada. Due to some health complications and water shortages, our leadership moved us to a more accommodating ministry called Reap. This new ministry was started by an American couple and is thriving. It is located just outside the city of Grenada on a big 70-acre farm. The farm employs many of the locals which is a really cool ministry on top of hosting World Race squads and other mission groups. Our time there was a huge blessing and was the perfect time to prepare our hearts for reentry and soak up our last few days with our teammates. We spent the week serving in the local community by doing a prayer walk and serving lunch and sharing testimonies at a local dump. We also had the chance to work on the farm harvesting yucca, a potato-like root. Saying goodbye to my squad was really hard. The friendships I made over the last three months have been a huge answer to prayer and continue to bring me so much joy and encouragement.
Being back home in the states has definitely made me appreciate simple things such as running water, air-conditioning, etc. Yet, my perspective on life will forever be changed by this trip. Living in a community with those who have so little yet are SO full of life, joy, and the goodness of God really gave me an eternal perspective and encouraged me to focus on things that will truly last.
After being home only a few days I was invited to sail to the Bahamas with a few friends who also happen to be World Race alumni. This week-long voyage was the perfect way to readjust to normal life. Surrounded by other believers and those who had experienced many of the same things on their trips, I was able to share and talk through my experience and be encouraged.
Reentering normal life has had its ups and downs, but so far I am so thankful for the life-changing trip I experienced! I was able to share my experience one Sunday at my church which was a great opportunity to get outside my comfort zone and recount everything I learned and experienced. If you would like to watch it is on Facebook on Calvary Baptist Church’s page.
The Lord has been SO good throughout the last three months and has taught me so much. One of the biggest ways I have seen Him teach me is through the renewal of my mind, which is way easier said than done but so powerful. Romans 12:2 Talks about being transformed by the renewal of your mind “that by testing you may discern what the will of God, what is good acceptable and perfect.” By taking every thought captive before the Lord we can reshape our thought life to better reflect the mind of Christ so that we can become more conscious of what is good and acceptable and perfect. This was so huge and a pivotal point for me when I truly made this a reality in my everyday life.
I am so thankful for everyone who supported me through this mission with encouragement, prayer, and funding. This trip wouldn’t have been possible without you. 🙂
Now, looking to the future! I have committed to a YWAM program and am set to leave at the end of September for Discipleship Training School in Hawaii for 3 months. Then I will spend another 3 months in other countries sharing God’s love and good news. After spending the last 3 months in Central America and growing in my relationship with the Lord I have craved more discipleship and training surrounded by like-minded peers. I started to pray that the Lord would show me what the next step was after this summer. Through lots of prayers, I felt my heart being tugged in the direction of YWAM and began pursuing that path. So far the Lord has opened many doors through this decision and already provided in many ways!
This summer, I am focusing on working in my hometown at a local health food store and working for my dad’s business to earn enough to pay for the 3-month training. I need to fundraise an additional $4,000 for my outreach phase. If you would like to contribute in any way to this fund I have provided a fundraising link below.
https://apply.ywamkona.org/s/payment?cId=0035G00002BXgnw
Again, thank you all so very much for all your support!
With lots of love,
Lucy 🙂
Lucy!
It’s awesome to hear about your experience and can’t wait to hear more from YWAM!
The Tiens
Wonderful news!! I’ve heard great things of YWAM. I love how the Lord has provided for every need- most especially the re-entry to normal US life. That’s always a challenge!! How beautiful it is that he gave you a buffer time sailing!!! So happy for you and all he’s doing in your life.