As I am starting to prepare to move to Latvia in the fall I'm realizing more and more how many of my dreams are about to become reality. God has been slowly preparing me for the work he has created me to do, and I am so excited to step out into the role that has been on my heart for so long. Through each trial and blessing, each experience and opportunity, each open and closed door, God has been shaping me for this moment. And I am sure I cannot even begin to grasp how God will use this opportunity in Latvia to shape the rest of my life.
It is so fun to begin to see the larger picture behind the things I've been through, and know that God really does have a plan for my life. All things really do work out for good for those who love God.
Ever since going to St. Petersburg, Russia during the summer of 2009, I have wanted to return to that part of the world. I have longed to work in a long term ministry, building relationships, seeing lives restored, bringing hope and joy in a place where there is much darkness and loneliness.
Ever since hearing about the issue of human trafficking I have longed to do all I could to stop it and work with the people affected by it. Even before really knowing about human trafficking I knew I wanted to work with people in crisis and work to fight against the injustices in our world.
So then when I found out about Freedom61 in Riga, Latvia this last January, I could not help but be moved to look into it. A ministry out of YWAM Riga working with girls in prostitution, fighting the injustices of sex trafficking in a practical real way, in an Eastern European country, looking for staff specifically to help in their transition home and rehab center. Through much prayer and time and counsel I pursued this opportunity, applied, got accepted, and am now planning to move to Riga in September. I truly cannot believe how blessed I am to have this opportunity to serve in this ministry.
Besides these big dreams becoming reality, I've started recognizing little dreams that I've had will also become reality through this opportunity. I've always wanted to live out in the country, ever since being a girl, and the transition home is out in the countryside of Latvia. So once it is open and I will move out there, I will be living in the country! Such a small thing, but so exciting. Also, I've always wanted a reason to really learn a language, but haven't had the opportunity to do so, but being in Latvia, especially since I won't be in the capital city for very long, I will have to learn Latvian and most likely some Russian too.
So, even though this is all still a little overwhelming, I am becoming so excited to move forward in this adventure of life. I will be raising monthly support while I am there, and if you are interested at all in hearing more or supporting me I would love to meet up with you and share more. I will also try to do better at posting updates here.
