LIONHEARTED LANDLOPER

Scratch-off map of the world     I am officially back at school and getting into motion for this next semester of adventure. Just two short weeks until we leave for our month and a half trip to South Africa.     I am getting really excited for this experience and the things I will be able to see God do. Sure, I may be nervous about the petty stuff -- like the time difference or the implications of wearing so many long skirts for such a long period of time -- but even those small things add to the big picture and make it seem slightly more exhilarating. I like changes and things you can't plan for no matter how hard you try. Or, I at least like them for the most part.     Please be praying for our team as we prepare our hearts these next two weeks for where we will be going, what we will be doing, and who we will be serving.

    Spending these last few months at Trinity Bible College has been one of the best decisions I have ever made! It has been such a privilege to sit in classes that are focusing on things I deeply care about and want to learn. I have already learned a lot about ministry and how to serve in all different ways. God is constantly giving me reassurance about my passion for missions.      It is good to be home with family and friends for winter break. I live in a beautiful place, and I practically broke my nose on the window on the train as we drove through Glacier Park and I pressed my face up against the glass to see the dark silhouettes of real life mountains. I have about a month to save up, pray, and prepare my heart for the next semester coming up. I get the sense that I can live anywhere on earth but there will always be something special about Montana. I am so grateful for all the people who go through life with me.      My year is ju...

Wednesday 11-9-16 after 40 hours of poverty     That evening, we started our poverty simulation. We were allowed one hygiene item (I chose my toothbrush), a notebook, pen, sleeping bag (I brought an emergency bivvy), and one extra item (my Adventure Hat of course).     The budget of a person in poverty was explained to us, and we were given $45 in “real-fake money” to use in different parts of our simulation. We were brought to a mock thrift store and told to buy new shoes and a shirt to wear for the rest of the 40 hours. I found a raggedy shirt with lovely pockets. I actually really loved the shirt. I also found some huge pink water shoes and I was drawn to them. We set up camp in a concrete room. I slept in a homey nook with Maddie and Michelle. Thursday 11-10-16     I woke up slightly cold. It was dark, and I had no way of knowing what time it was. I wanted to stay up if it was a reasonable hour (by Beccca’s standards), but I also didn’t want t...

    We recently returned from our inner-city mission trip to Chicago and Milwaukee! We experienced so many different cultures and ministries -- and learned a lot about ourselves and God.     Here are a few highlights from my journaling of this adventure: Saturday 11-5-16     I woke up freezing cold on my air mattress in the Grace and Peace Center. It was so early that it could not even be described as “bright and early” because it wasn’t technically bright yet. The thought of a hot shower was more compelling than the thought of sleep at this point. Thus, at 5:45 AM, I rose to hop in the shower. This shower was not as hot as I had hoped, but after maybe twenty or so minutes of relentless prayer, the temperature rose (with my attitude). My day moved forth per usual. I went downstairs before anyone woke up and sat on the granite countertops in the kitchen while I did my devotions.     Chicago is an interesting place. I remember from th...

[leaf]     We will be leaving for our next trip on Friday! We are gone from the 4th through the 13th. Please keep these cities and our team in your prayers as we are gone! We are praying for God to move in lives and reveal Himself everywhere we serve. Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.] (Matthew 11:28 AMPC)   

 Life can be repetitive and seem dull, but the power to break out of routine and see everything differently is all inside. Adventure is out there, but it’s also right in each day. I believe in imagination and seizing opportunities, hence I shall employ such philosophies. ~***~      “Adventure is a decision,” I thought to myself. I looked down at my toes, inching their way across the decaying log that seemed so halfheartedly strewn across that deep gap – as if nature forgot to care about the safety of lionhearted hikers such as I.      In front of me stood my adventure partner and the very rock that was my goal. We had dared to cross the unconventional log-bridge over the daunting crevasse betwixt our newfound prospects of adventure. The world was green, the color of good memories. And from giant rock to giant rock, I was determined to be bold. But really, things such as boldness are only a matter of opinion anyway.     In reality, or...

    For years, God has been cultivating a passion for lost people within me. The closer I get to God, the more my heart breaks for the people who have yet to hear of Him. Since I got to Trinity Bible College, that passion has grown substantially. I am constantly reminded of this great need for the gospel among the nations -- and challenged to act upon that very conviction daily.     God is showing me how to use this passion that I have even though (at times) I may feel secluded from opportunities.         Right now, I do not know what step I need to take after Pack Your Bags. I know I want to head toward missions, but there are many ways to get there. I have yet to figure out what degree I want, or what route I will take to get out on the mission field, but I know I need to head in that direction. I am still praying and thinking about what exactly I will do after Pack Your Bags is finished.    This is a big part of the reason I joine...