Month one!

It’s been a full month on the race! How crazy is that? We have spent the last four weeks in Gainesville, Georgia doing discipleship training. It has been such a sweet time being here. We are in our own little bubble, secluded from the world, in an intimate moment with the Lord. 

At first I was kinda upset that we were spending time in Georgia. I wanted to start serving right a way. After being here for about 3 days I realized how important our time here in Georgia is. We have been building relationships within the squad and learning how to disciple to each other before we go do it to others. Being here also gives me the time and environment to reflect and heal from the past. Ive been seeing unhealthy habits I have and figuring out better ones. 

 On weekdays our days are pretty packed. We start our day with breakfast and an hour for devotions, then we have a two hour session, where a speaker comes and speaks to us. Then cleaning time, lunch, and 2 hours of free time. Then we have squad time (during this time we do fundraising, have squad fun, story telling), then another session followed by dinner. After dinner we have team time (an intro on my team following). We turn our phones in at breakfast and get them back at dinner. I have loved not having my phone. Your only option is to be fully present in the moment and dive into those around you. On our weekends we have the chance to go to town if we need to get anything. Both Saturday and Sunday are Sabbath. We get to relax, rest, and spend time with Jesus. 

Here is what God has shown me in month one:

He showed me going through life alone is not what he wants, we were created for intimacy with him and those around us. Vulnerability is required for intimacy. Vulnerability is not weakness. I put too much pressure on myself. I learned that even Jesus knew his limits, turned people away, and retreated to spend time with his father (Mark 5:1-20). He showed me the ways I am prideful. The Lord showed me he will bring me to those who will see me.  He gave me a heart more like his and broke mine for what his breaks for. He brought me to new depths of compassion. He showed me what it means to find rest in the Lord and only his presence can give me rest for the heaviness of my heart. He softening my heart. Jesus and I have started grieving for my younger self. 

Just a few take aways from teachings:

We don’t get to choose who deserves honor. You don’t get honor you give it.

Humility is power under control.

Forgiveness is a daily decision and not a feeling.

We need to bow so Jesus can stand.

Jesus leveled the scale so God looks at us equally the way he looks at Jesus. 

God doesn’t need us but he allows us to partner with him.

I could go on for a long time about ways I have seen the Lord at work. This is just a summary of what he has done in my heart. I am so excited for these next 8 months and for what he is going to do in my heart. This weekend we head to Louisiana to do two weeks of hurricane relief with Samaritans Purse. Then we leave November 5th to Guatemala. I am so stoked. 

Also apologies for not posting often. I am going to try to be more consistent going forward. 

God Bless,

Liz Sawvel