It's been a minuuteeeee.

So, let's catch up. Shall we?

I’ve done a lot of writing recently. Not via Substack but rather the old-school pen and paper method. The past couple of weeks and months have been quite cray cray as some might say. Maybe no one says that anymore. Anywho. In the midst of procrastinating, I thought I might as well transfer some pen-and-paper thoughts to the interweb - queue the Gen Xers.

Hi! Now that the unnecessary explanation for my writing today is done, let’s begin. This summer I have been bouncing all over the place. It feels as though I practically live on an American Airline (keep your preferred airline to yourself) at this point. Seeing family, work things, conferences, etc. Grateful for each and every bit of it but I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a tiny bit relieved that the 10-day trips are coming to an end. Isn’t it funny how that works… we want one thing then we get it then we are ready to go back to what we had all along. All that to say, take each day as it comes and don’t miss what is right before you :)

There are so many things going on in my life that I could hone in on right now but I have loads of thoughts and moments to share from my time in Jamaica, my roommates might put tape over my mouth if I don’t vent to someone else about them. Hahahha the drama.

On Friday July 26th I headed to Miami feeling a huge lack of desire to head to Jamaica the following day. I was comfortable and finally back in the groove in California. The thought of disrupting my routine felt exhausting. I was being totally 100% self-centered. But the feelings were real. Nonetheless, I boarded the plane and made my way to Miami and then Jamaica. I went with a group of 12 (of the most incredible) girls and we partnered with an amazing organization called the Fergus Simpson Foundation to help with their annual 5-18 kids camp. You don’t need all the details but I wanted to share some of my takeaways. (Preface: comfort is often our biggest obstacle to living in some of the greatest moments God has prepared for us)

TAKEAWAYS:

The Jamaican culture is one of unity and celebration. At church, we took 5-10 minutes to go around and give everyone hugs and a simple hello. Why don’t we do this everywhere?

Not everyone is called to serve overseas BUT we can all serve where our feet are. I am realizing how often we overcomplicate what serving means. We wait for the perfect mission that our heart feels so in line with, often just sitting idle until that comes to fruition (maybe just me). Serving is the overflow of a heart and life devoted to God. It’s loving the people before you and allowing God to lead you wherever He may whether that’s into a conversation with the cashier or to a food bank. For me, I feel like God is nearly screaming “open your eyes to what is literally right in front of you.” Im excited to see what comes of this.

I’ve been struggling with off-and-on health stuff for the past 6 ish years. I was nervous for this trip because most of my issues have been birthed from international third world country esq travel … so to say. At the beginning of the trip, I felt compelled to finally invite God into my health and provide the energy I needed to get through the conditions we were in and joyfully endure the tasks before us (dealing with nearly 100 5-9 year old wild banchees .. whom I loved so much : ) ). All that to say, I did not have one stomach pain, not an ounce of heartburn, and no digestive issues. The whole week. I had energy and joy that was truly from the Lord. It did not equate. But that’s life with God. I got in the car to go back to the airport and immediately felt heartburn. God carried me through the exact time I needed.

I found out during the trip my sister was getting engaged in 3 days so courtesy of the help of many, I was driven four hours out of the mountains, dropped at the airport, and amidst many delays made it to my sister’s engagement dinner in south FL. One of the sweetest moments of my life thus far!

Perhaps I should keep up with this more often. My mind is constantly buzzing with thoughts and ideas. Sometimes I think if someone found my journal they would be genuinely concerned. I’ll process there first so that what makes it onto this site is a tad bit more filtered.

I’ll leave you with two quotes that are now embedded into my heart and mind forever.

1. Preach the gospel at all times, but use words only when necessary. St. Francis of Assisi

2. You feel unsettled because you know you are meant for more. (someone wise)

Going to end things here.

Remember that the best is yet to come (heaven!!!!)

xx,

Blake