Season of Change.

Something I have noticed from living in England is there are actually 4 distinct seasons. Growing up in West Texas, I could usually only tell that we had moved from Winter to Spring because Hunting season was over and Baseball season was starting, and the only real sign that we were no longer in the summer months was when Football 2-a-days were in full swing.  The weather doesn't change very drastically except when we get the occasional Winter snow storm or the 300 mph winds that leaves dirt in your teeth for 3 years. 

Winter Wonderland in England!

Autumn in England

But England, England is different, England on it's best days has a way of showing off the 4 seasons really well.  Right now it is very obvious that Autumn is here, The trees are all changing to bright red and yellow leaves, the air is crisp, and everything smells like fall (You know the smell, that smell that just makes you want to get a pumpkin spice latte and read a good book in sweatpants or watch Downton Abbey with the girls, Fall is perfect in my opinion) After Autumn of course comes Winter, and the trees are completely bare here, but when the snow falls, it actually looks like a winter wonderland.  This is usually the season where I drink at least 8 cups of hot tea a day, and wear 5 layers of clothes, but who doesn't love a good chance to wear all the clothes you own at once :). Snow fights and tackle football can get out of hand around here, but I've always lived by the rules...scars are like tattoos but with better stories! After winter, it seems suddenly almost over night the trees bloom...yay, it's crazy, they actually bloom.  Spring is here and the flowers grow on the trees and bluebells in the forest, and I almost feel like I have stepped out of a Jane Austen book. Although that whole "April Showers, bring May flowers" Is actually "March, April, May, June, July Showers, Bring flowers," I like to complain about the rain, but on those rare days when the rain stops, England is perfect. I almost (VERY STRONG ALMOST) am thankful for all the rain on those days, because the flowers are incredible! Next, from July-September the sun decides to come out and everything is completely green and fresh, most of the time I get amnesia of what the rain was like because I think to myself, "I never want to leave this place, it's so beautiful!" 

Spring!

It's obvious that each season is completely different, each season has it's distinct and unique feel, each season has it's strength and weakness (except Autumn, Autumn is perfect :)), but when I look back at my time in England I can just remember how each season has always been beautiful in it's own way.

Why do I go on an on about seasons when this post is about change? Well, it's the lesson I have been learning lately.  For the past 4 years, I have been running around the world, living one adventure after the other, experiencing new cultures and eating crazy cuisines!  This season has been incredible, and I think back to everything I have learned during this time about myself, my worldview, and God's unfailing love. 

Before, when I would think about the upcoming changes in my life, it would terrify me, create an overwhelming fear of the unknown, and a sense of dread like I was leaving the adventure and fullness of life I have found overseas behind.  

But now, God has been showing me that just like the 4 seasons are distinctly different, good and beautiful, so it is with this new season I am entering into.  The adventure and living life to the fullness is a choice, and that mindset can follow me into each place.  This new season is going to be good.  This new season will be an adventure like never before.  There is hope in this new season, and when I stop complaining about the rain for a second, I can stop and see how amazing the flowers look!  It's so exciting to know that I'm going into this season with an incredible travel buddy, and I get to marry a guy that makes me "stop and smell the roses" from time to time, and I'm moving to Las Vegas, a place that God is so captivated by and so in love with, and there are people their that need to know that! This season is distinctly different, but beauty will follow.  LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN!

My New Book!

If my life was a book, then it seems that the next few months of my life, I will be finishing writing the last chapter of one book (probably finishing with the line 'and they all lived happily ever after') and then starting a sequel where 1 or 2 main characters continue on, but everything else is different.  When I do big life changes, it seems that I don't just start a new little chapter with an intro of a new character, but I like to do big Epic changes that require a new book and a lot more ink and paper.  Let me set the plot and storyline for you on my new upcoming "book." The scenary will be completely different, a whole new list of characters will be introduced, and we will get to read more on what goes on inside the "happily ever after" bit.

First, as yall might already know from my last post, I'm GETTING MARRIED WHOO HOOO!! Now, I didn't know that I would be one of those girls that would have so much fun planning a wedding, but I have not stopped flipping through wedding magazines and websites!  Crazy thing is that I have not looked at one wedding dress or cake, but my focus has soley been on making sure the reception is the party of the century.  Kyle made me stop and take a breather after my ideas got outta hand with balloon animals and slip-n-slides and go carts. But come on, who doesn't want a firework display and dancing monkey's in a grand finale production?  My point exactly! I have been looking for a cool barn venue so that all our friends coming from Europe and around the states can have a true Texas experience.  If any of yall know of anything in Midland/Odessa around March or April, please let me know!

So, now that I have a cool fiance, and a cool wedding (with an REALLY cool reception) We have been talking alot about the second big plot changer in the story.

My New Home!

I'm finally moving back to the states for a season!!! This one has been the scariest change for me. I remember before moving overseas, I was nervous of what lies ahead, and all the unknowns were terrifying.  Now, moving back, I'm in the same position, but the roles have been reversed, but I'm ready for the adventure! I will be coming home November 3rd for my fabulous best friend and roommate from College, Brittani Briner's wedding!!! Afterwards Kyle and I will be hanging out in Texas for November.  I even get to go to Thanksgiving at my Grandmother's house for the first time in 3 or 4 years!! I'm so excited about this time in Texas and I hope that we will get to hang out with most of you while we are there!  After November, (drum roll please...) Kyle and I will be moving to LAS VEGAS. Although much of this move has plenty of unknowns, we have been praying about how God wants to use us during this season. Kyle and I will be getting jobs and working, as well as helping with the local YWAM base.  

So let's see where we are in my new story and the changes coming.  New Location...Check.  New Job...check.  New last name...check.  New main characters...check. 

Here is an insert to one of the chapters in the new story that has already come about:

A few weeks ago after we had gotten engaged, we were both at a place where God seemed to be leading us to do many things and putting different passions on our heart, but no concrete direction of moving forward with those things. With one month to go before leaving England, and not seeing how

all these things were going to tie together, we had to learn that God is in control and the words "trust" and "have faith" became really real.  It seems easy to use those words or give that advice to others when outside of the situation, but to feel like you are walking blindly to the next step and trusting

anyways is a completely different thing. We really feel strongly about starting a prayer/healing room in Vegas, God has put Vegas on our hearts, not just the city, but also the people.  It is interesting that the original design of Las Vegas, was a meadow land which when "Las Vegas" is translated it means "fertile land."  We have been praying that the desert that Vegas is known for would be transformed and live up to it's name. 

     With these things on our hearts and no real direction, last week we were introduced to the couple who will be taking a big leadership role within YWAM, Las Vegas over this next season of their lives. Within the first sentences of our conversation, this couple talked about their heart for starting a prayer room in Las Vegas!  The amazing part about meeting these people, is not only that they had the same heart and passions we had, but also, that God was speaking the exact same words to them as He had been to us. They also need worship leaders, and Kyle's main passion and gifting is in leading worship! 

    The more amazing thing about this story is that our paths actually crossed in a bizarre way!  They were not planning on coming to YWAM Harpenden, but their airline lost their guitar.  With the tag on the guitar only saying YWAM, the airport googled YWAM and Harpenden's address was the only one to come up.  They were only here for a brief moment to pick up their guitar, but that moment was God ordained indeed.

Sooo looks like we will be coming home! YAY! A few things you can be thinking about and praying for us in, is to pray and see which part you could play in our ministry as we move to Vegas and begin this prayer room. Whether that means joining our team, helping with worship, coming and visiting, financially supporting, etc... As this is still very young and the vision is pretty big.  Other practical things, we will be looking for a car when we get to Texas.  As we are both coming off of the mission field and being self supported, we are praying for God provision on finding a good car for a relatively cheap price.  So if you know of anyone selling or could be keeping your eyes open for something that would be beautiful!!  Thank you for all your love and support.

“We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the

life that is waiting for us.” – Joseph Campbell