So I guess going on an epic mission’s trip to Asia didn’t really work out. As COVID just began to take the world by storm in March, YWAM sent all their students home for a possible mission’s alternative they’d call “homereach.” That washed up for most students, too, due to local restrictions and requirements, so homereach was kind of (and kind of not?) cancelled. In the end, all students automatically graduated with a YWAM certificate.
So I got home on March 17th, 2020. At first, I was relieved to finally not share a room with 9 girls and evade the sweltering humidity of the Big Island–plus, I got to see my family and friends again!
But after about 2 or 3 weeks, the loss and dashed hopes I experienced came crashing down on me. I didn’t know why I was home or how long I’d stay, and most importantly what to do next especially in the face of international restrictions.
I took some of the biggest risks of my life to venture out into YWAM and share the gospel in Asia, but like a whirlwind, I was sent home within one week of our mission departure date.
I cannot explain in words the weight of disappointment I felt, and I carried it with a great burden for a long time. But I’m sharing this because I know I’m not the only one who’s had their life drastically interrupted because of COVID. It really sucks, and I’m sorry for the discomfort and pain the changes around the world have been to you. I’m still learning this every day, but: everything’s gunna be okay.
I also know that it doesn’t always feel that way. Personally, I had a lot of mental breakdowns, you know, as someone who’s last couple of years have been filled with almost reckless, faith-driven adventures, and now I found myself with no adventures and nothing in which to look forward to.
After about three months fighting for something better to come around than just staying at home, I gave up. Turns out, that was the right decision.
I can’t say that I don’t ever worry about what to do with my future anymore (as it goes for everyone), but I can say that being at peace with where I’m at and acknowledging that God is still up to something awesome for my life has really given me peace.
Everything really is going to be okay.
So I’m adventuring from home, receiving God’s love for me even when I’ve spent my entire day doing absolutely nothing amazing compared to a mission’s trip in Mongolia.
But it doesn’t change God’s affection for me. And I constantly remind myself that my dream to be a missionary in Asia did not die with my YWAM mission’s trip in March.
God will restore what was stolen, not just from me, but from you, too. And, being the kind of God he is, he’ll multiply it back to you.
And you know what’s crazy? A week or two before us YWAMers were unexpectedly sent home, we had Bethel musicians Jonathan & Melissa Helser come sing at YWAM. Their worship set included Revival’s in the Air, a song which wouldn’t be released on their album until two months later. And they prophesied in song to us, and to you,
Revival’s in the air
Revival’s In The Air – Bethel Music
Well, catch it if you can
He’s moving on the wind
The dawn is breaking
Oh, lift your eyes to see
He’s better than you dreamed
With everything you lost
Love’s returning.
Signed,
Allison the Adventurer
