Plot Twist: My Summer Plans Have Changed

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."

Proverbs 19:21

Hello, friends and family!

I have some news that I felt was necessary to share with you all. Instead of doing another video, I decided to go back to my roots and write. I am still processing this information, and writing is a clearer way for me to share what I need/want to share with you all.

Whether you support me prayerfully/financially or just follow my journey, this one’s for you...

Back in 2014, the Lord placed a dream in my heart to go to Nicaragua and give up a week of my summer to serve alongside other North Texas youth. I had no idea what to expect; I never would have foreseen the doors and passion that would open up after that trip. I went to Nicaragua for 8-10 days every summer following (2015, 2016, 2017). I almost did the summer internship last summer, but the Lord urged me to wait... so I did. At the end of my week this past summer, He spoke so clearly and said, “Now is the time.” Without any hesitation, in November of last year, I applied to be a MAPS volunteer. I got accepted into the program soon after and then eagerly began the process to my next adventure: the one that I had waited and prayed for, for 3 years previously.

Throughout this season of fundraising and trusting the Lord, it was so evident to me that I was walking in the perfect will of God. Everything that I had prayed for was leading up to the summer of 2018. I had been abundantly blessed, both financially and spiritually, very quickly and checked everything off of my checklist (security training, plane ticket, the fees, etc.) in the blink of an eye: I was ready to hop on the plane and go.

Then, it happened.

If you have been following and praying, you were made aware of the civil unrest that began unfolding in Nicaragua beginning on April 16th. After the violence would not smooth out for about three days, things began to get shaky. I began to become nervous about what to expect:

How did this happen?

Where did it all go wrong?

How long is this going to last?

What about all of the innocent, beautiful people who are being killed and injured?

And the big one for me…

Will I still get to go to Nicaragua?

These were all questions that swarmed in my head and haven’t ceased yet. My greatest fear was getting notified that I might not have the possibility to serve in Nicaragua this summer.

My greatest fear came true.

Everything had been up in the air up until yesterday afternoon. I received a call that honestly shook my entire world. They had made the decision (that was firmly rooted in wisdom), for our safety, to give us the option to transfer to El Salvador or to cut the internship completely. As soon as I heard this, I became numb. I am extremely thankful that all of the people in authority over me lead with wisdom when making this decision, but I couldn’t grasp this idea.

As soon as I hung up the phone, I began to weep. And I mean, ugly cry. This was my biggest fear and it had moved from a concept to a reality within the span of a 5-10-minute phone call.

How could this happen?

Why would the Lord allow this?

Why would He call me one place to send me to another?

These were the questions that began to fill my mind now; I was so confused. Honestly, I still am.

I woke up this morning at 6:30 AM feeling like I was mourning the loss of someone I loved, except it was a dream that I was mourning instead. I tried to fall back asleep, but I was wide awake; I knew that the Lord wanted to spend some time with me, and I desired that greatly. As I began to press into Him, He reminded me of some truths:

• He has called me.

• He has equipped me.

• He wants to stretch and grow me.

• He wants to mold me.

• His ways are much higher than my own.

• He already planned for this to happen; it did not come as a surprise to Him.

• This is a part of His plan.

• All I have to do is simply trust.

Throughout the chaos that has been flooding my mind since yesterday afternoon, I feel an immense amount of peace: a peace that has come directly from heaven to meet me where I am in the midst of this confusion. I am still trying to process the fact that my plans are changing: emphasis on the my. I am 101% sure that the Lord told me to go to Nicaragua this summer, but sometimes plans change; this is why we cannot attempt to plan for ourselves and grow comfortable. Whenever we put our full trust and dependency in Him, we must wholly surrender our plans for His. It’s easier said than done, but it’s crucial for further growth in your walk with Christ.

I don’t know what to expect.

Will things clear up in Nicaragua while I am in El Salvador? There is still hope. If that happens, then I will be able to finish my term in the country that I have grown to love.

There is also a possibility that they won’t and I will be spending my entire summer in a currently unfamiliar place, but that is ok.

Here’s what I have learned: it’s not about the place, it’s about the people. There are people all around this great, big world that need to know the Father. It doesn’t matter where you are, you can share that news with anyone you come in contact with.

I am confident that the Lord has something huge lined up for this summer. Whether that unfolds in Nicaragua, El Salvador, or maybe even both, I have no idea… but, I know that it is going to be an amazing summer and I am looking forward to the uncertainty (weird, right?).

My greatest desire is to see the Lord’s will be done; that is what I want the most- no matter what it looks like. He is a good Father, and He makes sure to take care of His children and provide for us. I am not worried. I am resting in perfect peace, and I am praying that you all will too.

It’s going to be an amazing summer, and I am so excited that you all get to go with me!

Prayer needs:

• For Nicaragua and the people there: they need Jesus so desperately

• For my team of Nica Chicas (interns): that the Lord will continue to saturate us in His peace and that we would not grow weary of following the call- no matter where that may take us

• Also, for clarity as we are making decision as to what our summer may look like

• For the missionaries and staff: these are all people who I hold very dear to my heart, and they are in need of wisdom, guidance, and peace

• For the summer: as up in the air as it is, I want the Lord to show Himself in big ways

Let’s expect and believe for big things!

Thank you for reading this lengthy blog post and for all of your love and support; I would not be where I am today without it.

As always, if you have any questions, comments, concerns, or prayer requests, I am always here for you!

Blessings,

Sarah