Last week was a combination of intense emotion in missing everything about Seattle and sleeping off the jetlag! There were many times I would just start crying because something little reminded me of a time in Seattle. Luckily, everything in Milwaukee had continued moving while I was gone. I went to Bible Study and slowly realized the community I cherished so much in Seattle would not be meeting together in DNA groups to study the Bible anytime soon! I praise God for my gracious roommates who listened and comforted! I've been so blessed to spend time with dear friends here and catch-up on the happenings of the last month! But the Jessica that left a month ago is not the same!
It has been challenging trying to explain the whole experience and condense it into words, let alone a 5-10 minute presentation. It was so much more than that! It was people, living souls, living their daily lives on the streets, having little to no food and little to no community. It was hearts looking for more and so many children just wanting someone to love them and meet them at their level. It was women in chains desiring to change their bad habits and be free! It was a community of believers praying continually, hearts poured open to God, seeking His wisdom and understanding of the world and His children. It was His love being expressed in so many ways, to so many people!
He continues to show me this message and as I let go of more, I feel a peace that exceeds my understanding because even though not having a job, feeling lonely, and having a broken family could run my life and tear me down, God says, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will find trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!" John 16:33.
A memorable quote from the trip for me was, "We shouldn't call this a mission trip, but instead a vision trip for your life." The mission of sharing our faith IS our lives. This trip has helped me see that more clearly and know that the lessons I learned in Seattle can be brought back to Milwaukee and impact the lives of those here just the same!
Last week, I started researching and praying for opportunities to continue the mission here in Milwaukee. I found a whole list of ministry options, but one stood out because of it's similarity in ministry name to the ministry I worked with in Seattle. This last week I visited with the pastor who works with those who have drug or alcohol addictions. We shared stories and he asked me if I would want to teach a class on forgiveness or death and dying, or simply tutor these adults on basic life skills, such as keyboarding and writing resumes. I was excited because this is an opportunity to bring God's love and redemption to people in Milwaukee and evidence that God does answer prayer.
This week I have had opportunities to catch up with some friends from project and that has been all the more encouraging!
I've been reminded that God protected my time in Seattle by not allowing anything post-project to be on my mind before I left and while I was there. But the reality is that I've reached the time that was kept hidden from me. It's not scary, not knowing. I'm learning to depend on God and trust His timing. He has all the plans figured out, so instead of stressing out over finding a job for the school year, I can trust that, if it is in His will, I will find employment. And now, I'm sitting on two job offers, trying to discern which of these God is calling me to.
When I titled this blog, I didn't fully understand the implications until I traveled outside my MKE bubble. Where You go, Lord, I will follow! The Milwaukee chapter of this story is just starting! :)
