Hey all:)
Here’s a little piece of my heart…
DEBRIEF:
This week was dedicated to processing our time at training camp and Black Mountain ministry. We had much time for rest, lots of squad activities, quite a few outings, and a week long slumber party.
He’s showed up in beautiful ways this week–through picking flowers, cookie dough blessings, the sweetest Uber driver, the release in a cry, real conversations, spontaneous side quests, and prophetic words from those around me.
This week was restful yet super emotional. There were many days of breaking and many days of rebuilding. Learning that my squad would be split up for our time in Swazi was painful, but, as I took it to the Lord, He replaced all sadness with complete peace and a freedom in the growing He’s about to do in our lives. I’m so ready and incredibly excited to meet my ministry hosts, connect with countless kids, and sit with the Lord in such an intentional way. I’m looking forward to seeing His face in a brand new light.
So much went down this week that my heart is still processing. It might take a minute, but I’m walking at the pace of peace knowing my God is not in a hurry.
TRAVEL DAYSSS:
I’m writing to you from Istanbul, Turkey! Today is travel day, along with yesterday and tomorrow (60 hrs total).
I’m currently sitting at our gate in the airport, reflecting on what we’re doing, what’s happened so far, and all that is to come.
It’s been a long 2 days, yet they’ve flown by. My squad and I had a 10 hour flight to Istanbul, Turkey (where I currently am), and a 17 hour layover here. Soon, we’ll board an 11 hour flight to Johannesburg, South Africa. Then, we’ll take a 4 hour bus ride to the border of Swazi, a 1.5 hour ride to drop the boys at their base, and a 2 hour drive to the girl’s base.
As I watched the world passing under me on our way to Istanbul, I began to remember the faithfulness of our God. Who is my God that He would be so faithful? Who is my God that He would bring me here? This journey is a promise being fulfilled and I’m so grateful.
That being said, my heart is currently feeling weighed down, and I would be grateful for prayers of comfort. Watching lost souls around me, overcoming physical sickness, functioning on minimal sleep, anticipating what’s coming and trying to rest in the here and now is a lot for my heart to comprehend at the moment,
BUT God is still good and I’m leaning into the abundant faithfulness He’s poured over my life in the past few days.
I don’t have much to add to this blog, but wanted to share a little piece of my heart.
I love you all, am praying for each person reading this, and genuinely need your prayers right now!
Blessings,
Rissa:)
We love you! Always an honor keep you presented before Him. XOXO janet & langley
You have our huge, heartfelt prayers. We love you and your heart for ALL people ❤️
Someone wise once told me that “hard isn’t bad, it’s just hard.” I know you take that to heart, and watching you walk through it all is really inspiring. So, thank you for sharing.
KNOW, like you know, like you know, like you know, that you are constantly held in prayer, so you can consistently walk in that beautiful pace of peace.
WE LOVE YOU!!
Hi Marissa, very surprised to hear from you! What a blessing to be able to go on such a beautiful mission trip! Something I would have loved to done in my younger years. Nice to experience a bit through your eyes! Enjoy your journey with God and His people and know that He is with you always! May you see the face of Jesus in each and everyone you encounter on your journey. Let His love carry you. Peace of Christ be with you and your group. Love & Blessing, Aunt Karen
Hey Sweet Girl, I am so grateful our ABBA Father has placed you right where He wants you to thrive, surrounded by those He has chosen for you to love on, and grow with…what a blessing that training camp was, to bring you all together for such a time as this. You and your squad/team will be such a Blessing to those that need love, kindness and inspiration. I am also so grateful for these ‘updates’ as you travel…pictures are worth a thousand words, and your words paint a beautiful soulful experience! Isn’t it amazing how God is keeping His promise to you, from that tiny church in Centerville a few short years ago!! I will continue to keep you all in prayer, and can’t wait for your next ‘update’…. Your ABBA Father will continue to be the “Wind beneath your wings”…with Love and Prayers. Mimi 🙏🏼❤️
Love you! Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers . Aunt Suzanne
Dear Marissa,
I am a friend of your grandmother,Sara. Your writing about your journey has been very uplifting. Seeing how your day to day walk with the Lord, is full of all the good and sad moments, assures me that you are connecting to God,Jesus, in a very special way. I love your heart for your team and others. Bless you, sweet girl. God is using you mightily. Love in Jesus,Deedee Brown.