The Colors of Fall

I've missed the beauty of the Northeast in the fall. School in Ohio stole these views from me. I've missed the sound of crunching leaves under my feet and that satisfying feeling of seeing the leaves in big piles after raking them.

Life has been a whirlwind, the past week and a half after getting home from NC. I can hardly believe that in just one week, at this very time, I will be out of the country, beginning my time overseas. God has been so faithful! The waiting is almost over! But now that the time is coming close to leave, I am remembering all that I wish to accomplish. My to-do list seems to get longer with every new thing I check off. How is that even possible?

Over the past few days, I have gotten to hike in the Catskills with my mom and a dear family friend, as well as spend time with some good friends and I even got to go to camp for the day! I've also rested well, watched all the Harry Potter movies, read some books (for fun!) and got to spend time at church.

I am officially fully funded and I fly out of Albany at 5:55am on October 29th.

The adventure has only just begun. 

Please continue to pray for me as I prepare to leave!

Intercultural Training Take Away Points

Tonight is my final night in Union Mills, NC and it is a tad bit bittersweet. Today in class we had a "graduation" of sorts for those of us who were leaving this weekend. There are two more sessions to follow, of which many of our classmates are attending. Therefore, a few of us got to go forward and get our certificates of completion, shake all of the professors' hands and then engage in the typical conversations that always seem to follow graduations. Suddenly everyone is talking to you and wishing you luck and proclaiming the great times that have been had...

Who knew a month would go so quickly or that 34 adults and 20 children could mesh so incredibly well together? This community was great and the people here will definitely hold a special place in my heart. It's funny how quickly you can bond with people because you're all in the same place (so to speak). All of us are going overseas. We're doing countless different things, but we're all going and we all have things we're nervous about and excited about. And we're all striving towards a common purpose: to serve God and his people. Because of that, there is an understanding amongst us that a lot of people cannot grasp, since they don't have the same desires or plans.

There are also a lot of nicknames, lots of deep conversation (and not so deep) and above all, constant laughter :)

Nonetheless, I just wanted to jot down some take away points from this month. These are things I learned through classes, activities, the people here, you name it.

1. It's not right. It's not wrong. It's different. It may in fact be better.

2. Transitions lead to transformation.

3. Good intentions are often the monuments of destruction.

4. To accept others is to love God.

5. We do a terrible injustice when we only use words to portray the gospel.

6. God is still writing HIS story in all of the hurt and pain. There isn't a hurt that God won't use if we let him write the rest of the story.

7. The absence of trust is the basis of team dysfunction.

8. Breathe Grace.

9. Things are not always what they seem.

10. Shut up, so God can speak.

oh and 11. be sure to take time to enjoy WHO God is.


There you have it folks.

Guatemala Here I Come. (soon)

Training sessions have been underway for just over three weeks, here in itty bitty Union Mills, NC and I am learning so much. I have spent lots of time reflecting, but I have also been enjoying time with people from all walks of life who are headed out onto the missions field. It’s crazy how fast such a diverse group of people can bond. I find myself constantly in awe of how God works. I almost feel like I am a camper again. And fun fact: once again, I am the youngest adult in attendance. That theme never seems to leave me. 

I am planning on leaving October 29th!

I will be at home for the missions conference at LCC and I would love to sit down with you and talk about how God is leading me and how God is working in your life as well. I’m always up for getting coffee/tea, going for a walk, or just sitting and talking.

I am on the home stretch with support raising and I am in need of just a few more monthly partners, in order for all of this to come together. This is a team effort that I cannot do on my own. If 10 people commit to $25/month, I will be fully funded!! We’re so close! Not everyone can or should go overseas, but for those of you who are home, please consider giving or encouraging others to give. If you have already given, I cannot express how thankful I am and if you cannot give, then I cherish your well wishes and prayers. I know that God is working in this time. A reminder, you can donate online (paper free) at: https://secure.kidsalive.org/p-2821-heidi-johnson.aspx. 

Please join me in praying that I would trust God’s timing and be at peace as I wait for God to provide the remaining support that I need. Also, please continue praying for the team and girls in Guatemala. Attached is a daily prayer schedule. I have found that this is helpful in reminding me to pray for the ministry of Kids Alive in Guatemala and what God is doing all around the world.

Please join me on the adventure of a life time.