On the Eve of 2008 I have a couple of random and not so random thoughts running through my head... it's going to be a big year and I just don't say that because I have some ample amount of goals, but because on the eve of 2008 I actually know for sure one huge thing that I am doing...

maybe it won't seem so huge to you, but I am moving to Illinois... right outside of Chicago in a little place called Carol Stream. I will start my life as a missionary... or a kinda missionary. For the next 2 years of my life I will be working for Leadertreks. I will move out of Florence, SC and go to Illinois in August of 08. Right before my 25th birthday. I said YES to the opportunity after about a 6 month struggle with what to do. As I sit now and write about it, I feel like I am at the verge of crying. And even though I said yes, I still have so many questions. How could I just leave a community that I have poured my everything into for the past 3 years? Why would God stir up a desire for me to go? Is it really that big of a problem to be comfortable? How on earth am I suppose to raise support? Why would God call me to basically be a supported missionary? Isn't it crazy to get up and move to a place where you don't really know anyone? How can I leave my girls that I have watched grow over the past three years? Who is going to step up and fill that void, who is going to disciple the girls?

But with all these questions and thoughts, and tears, and stuggles with leaving, only one thing really matters. The reason why I am going is because if I didn't I KNOW that I would be staying in disobedience. Even though God can work everywhere, I think it's finally time I take a risk where I can't be in control. He wants me to do this. I know it. I can't deny it anymore. I can't continue pointing at past risks I have taken in my faith. And that's what I am doing, or was doing. So in 2008,I am looking forward to all he is going to show me in actually taking a risk. And I know he is going to show up and amaze me in big ways. It's about time I took God out of a box.

Leadertreks...

(from www.leadertreks.com)
LeaderTreks is a student leadership development ministry using trips, innovative training, and curriculum to help students identify and develop their personal leadership skills. LeaderTreks is calling the church to make leadership development a core of youth ministry. Much like discipleship and evangelism, we feel leadership development is key to seeing the church grow and the culture change...

We support the local church by providing leadership development tools and experiences designed to grow students into leaders. We have an intentional process for the development of students. We partner with youth leaders who are passionate about helping develop and equip the next generation of leaders in church and culture. Our experiences challenge and change participants. Students return confident and motivated with a broadened world-view and a new vision for how they can lead and serve others.