Not Done Yet

Hi once more, friends!!

God is so comical, and so good too. In the past three days, similar messages have echoed over and over again. While the speakers have changed faces, the message has been made so clear: He is NOT DONE YET with me!

The final Camp was truly incredible, and I learned something so incredibly important! Seeing such maturity and respect represented among youth challenged me to see the potential of good that young men and women possess and are able to demonstrate, if they are first respected by us adults. Despite what others may say or suggest, there truly is hope for the future. We just have to keep our eyes open to that hope, and we need to invest our time in the youth of this country and in other ones too!

My experience in hot Arizona is now complete. I was so incredibly blessed out there, and I look forward to sharing what I have learned in the near future. As you see with what I wrote throughout this internship, life will never be the same for me.

Since Friday, I have been settling back to life in Virginia. And while settling, I have noticed that the opportunities for employment and volunteering seem to be numerous. So now, I have many good choices to choose from, but I also have very little time to decide what I want and should do for work and/or with helping. In addition, three definitely trips to Vermont, New York, and Kentucky are part of my itinerary in the coming weeks and months, while I am contemplating on another potential trip to a new part of Kentucky I have yet to explore. Now in Virginia, I could be working at a number of places, if they hire me, or assisting with activities and services at a number of ministries, if they would like my assistance. So please be in prayer for me, as I have a lot of decisions to make in the next few days. Time is not a luxury I possess, but I always need to remember: God's timing is the best.

Yet, the good news. While coming back, I have truly been bombarded with the above message: God is NOT DONE YET with me. For example, in mid-October, I have the honor and privilege to teach English at Assumption University in Bangkok, Thailand (Soon coming: my new blog. Stay tuned for that web address).

So, at this time, I truly feel that I am in a place of unique transition in my life, climbing up and sliding down mountains I have never touched or conquered before. Seeing Robin Mark, a Worship Leader from Belfast, Ireland, encouraged me to continue pursuing a lifestyle of worship in every action I perform and every word I speak. Hearing Duane White, a pastor visiting from Texas, motivated me to go, grow, sow, and speak big, so that I can follow the One who went big before and for me. Hearing Fred Miller, the pastor from my home church, showed me a way of how I could be a blessing to others in a new way.

So, the truth is very clear: God still has BIG plans for me. Time will tell what exactly those details entail. Until then, I am ready for the roller coaster, anticipating what is next on this journey of life.

Thanks for reading my blog this summer in Arizona. I appreciate your willingness to walk with me as I fumbled and sprang forward into God's amazing work for my life. Stay in touch and God's best blessings to you this day and always!!

Joey :)