Hi friends! My two weeks of training in Georgia have come to an end. And holy cow, it has been a time of growth both emotionally and spiritually. Here are a few highlights,
- It was super exciting meeting my team in person for the first time. We have the best mix of different personalities and backgrounds. My favorite team moments are spent playing cards or dancing and singing together.
- After a year of averting gluten/carbs/sugar in my diet, I have consumed the BEST bagels, pasta, and pancakes I have had in a long time. (The others might disagree 🙂 )
- I was one of 3 teammates selected to do laundry for the squad at the end of both weeks. I felt truly humbled asking locals questions on how to use the dryers in the laundromat, as I have never needed to use one before.
- Our daily schedules would include sessions and workshops as well as personal time. I loved using that time to learn new card games with my team, read my Bible/journal, or go for a walk.
- AIM focuses strongly on the importance of the Sabbath- a day of rest. My Sundays regularly consisted of church and a checklist of chores to complete before the weekend was over. This concept of taking a day to rest in the goodness of Jesus was one I accepted with open arms and truly enjoyed.
- SQUAD WARS was a blast. All three teams preparing to head out to the field competed in competitive group games and dances. Even though my squad got last place, we blew the judges away with our dance remix of “The Circle Of Life,” “Baby,” and “Wrecking Ball.”
My relationship with Christ was put to the test these past few weeks. I questioned detailed aspects of my faith while learning to understand different “patterns” of worship. The initial days of camp were the most spiritually challenging as I learned to discern what truth looked like without the crutch of the familiarity of home and family. In moments of doubt, I continue to wrestle with the question, “God, why did you send me here?” Wondering how I could be the right person: good enough, smart enough, and brave enough. We had a speaker share a statement this week that I will carry with me throughout this journey. He said, “God doesn’t call the qualified; he qualifies the called.” I feel God tugging on my heart, asking for patience, learning to wait and listen for Him to move and push me in new directions, trusting that He WILL qualify me to carry out the plans He has for me. In the midst of my “spiritual battle,” my brother, Ben, sent me a verse that helped redirect my focus to the truth behind my race. He shared Hebrews 12:1-2, “Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer, and perfecter of faith.” I said “YES” to this call and will run the race to the best of my ability. Knowing the Holy Spirit is with me every step of the way. I’m incredibly grateful for the personal growth that has already taken place, but I am still ready for more. Bring it on, Jesus!
Now we are headed to the small country of Eswatini for a month and a half of ministry. I’m excited to watch the amazing ways God works while we are there. Thank you for the continual prayer and support as I walk down this path God placed me on.
Until next time!
Suzy:)
Suzy,
Thank you for sharing the highlights of your training. Stepping out of your comfort zone to help others and to do new and sometimes scary things for yourself is very admirable. Best wishes as you continue on this journey. Love from the Couch family
Not that I liked seeing you having the question of why am I here……I’d like to share with you a bit of a mission trip I took to New York City. By day two I was in tearsHid it well though. . Did not want to be there. Saw no happiness in New York. Aaron Cuyler always would say you gotta step out of your comfort zone. I told myself I did. I was feeling like no leader of the group which I was supposed to be. I decided day two in the evening to myself I was gonna call my husband and have him get me a flight home. I wanted to come home so bad. But I would wait til morning to call. That night we shared and would give an award to someone we thought did a great job or saw something special. Aaron John got up and started talking all about me. And how he knew I was struggling. But how I kept going with a smile on my face. He said quite a bit of other things. I went to bed praying on what God wanted me to do. The next morning God answered my prayers. Had a whole new outlook on why I was there. I was there to help others, pray with people. This trip had impacted me so much. And I was so ready to stay when I just let go and let God work in me. I am so praying for you. I’m sure there will be many ups and downs. It’s hard to step out of your comfort zone but you got this. May not know the answer yet but you will know the answer to why you are there. It’ll come in time. Just let go and let God lead you. I am looking forward to reading about your journey.
so happy that training went well and for the growth that has happened so far! praying for you as you travel to Eswatini and for the work you are going to do there and for the work God will do through you! ❤️