In the blink of an eye it was all finished, and it was completely worth skipping a week of school for. I spent the week waking up to squealing, excited second grade girls. We played games, got messy, and covered ourselves in shaving cream. Pastors from all over the district came and shared what it meant to Stand Out for Christ. I watched as children were moved by the power of Christ and the love of God touched each and every one of their hearts. I fell in love with an experience- if that’s even possible.
So many people criticized me for missing a week of school, but there wasn’t a doubt in my mind that I had made a wrong decision. While some base their achievements on academic or financial success, I find my reward in experience and lifelong memories. I’ve had the opportunity to be part of an amazing ministry. A ministry that has completely stolen my heart. It’s uprooted my life and what I thought I wanted isn’t really what I want anymore. It has given me a glimpse of what my future could look like, and I love it. I would be overjoyed if that’s what I got to wake up to every morning. It has put me in a position to do everything I love.
I’m beyond blessed, and there’s no doubt about it. God has done incredible things in my life that I would never have expected. He has placed me in a community of love and put me on a path that leads towards Him. Without Him I wouldn’t have any of this.