New seasons are always hard at the beginning, but not bad… Actually really, really good.
To say it plain and simple, I am not coming back to Guatemala in 2017. I am not going to be a missionary on the foreign field. I am not going to be sharing the gospel with 320 kids a week. I am not going to be speaking a different language everyday.
I can tell you what I am going to be doing. I am going to be living life on mission no matter where I am. I am going to be living in Hawaii with my family for the first time in 3 years. I am going to be serving in church. And I am going to be following God’s voice.
I am honestly blown away. I am in awe when I think of the past three years. Even when I think of the past month. God is working here in Guatemala. And that’s the thing, it is HIS work. Did He ever need me? No. But in His grace He chose to use me here and allow me to be a part of His work. If there is one thing that I’ve learned about missions since being here is that missions work is NOT about what I can do for God. Missions work is about what He is already doing and how I can be a part of it. And I am so excited to be a part of what God is doing on the island of Maui.
I leave Guatemala October 26th. These next days will be difficult as I say goodbye to my students, friends, and church family here. But God has given me SO much peace and I can’t explain it. I am ready to go back to the states and do whatever the Lord has for me. I still know the Lord has called me to missions- I truly believe He will call me back onto the foreign field one day, I just don’t know when. But, I want to live true to this wise saying: Wherever you are, be all there. The last 20 days or so, I want to live fully here, investing and pouring out. And when I arrive in Hawaii, I want to jump in and be all there. The past is a great reminder, but it is not meant to be lived in. Greater things are yet to come! And my mind thinks so small! I think, “God, what’s greater than ?” and He always blows me away and fulfills Ephesians 3:20.
God has given me Mark 5:19, “And He did not permit him but said to him, ‘Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how He has had mercy on you.” This is what God is asking me. And my heart cries out, “God! I will follow You wherever!” And He says in His loving voice, “Go home my daughter.” It is a question of obedience. Not what I want. Not where I think I am useful. Not what I like or don't like. And I’m not complaining ;) how could I?? It’s Hawaii! It’s my family! It’s God’s will! And I get to go back and tell of all that the Lord has done! How merciful and compassionate He is! I don’t know what He has in store for me, but I know it’s gunna be good!
I want to say thank you to all who have been praying and supporting me for the past 3 years as I’ve been on the mission field. You are a part of this just as much as me. Please continue to pray for Guatemala as a country. They are enslaved in religion, the government is so corrupt, there is lack of education and hunger. But God is working!!! He loves Guatemala so much. Please pray for the students who are being taught God’s word, that they would be transformed and washed by His word and that a new generation would be raised up who loves the Lord. God has shown me that every word from Him does not return void. I praise God for all He has done and all He will do.
If you have any questions for me, feel free to shoot me a message or email me at: quinceymarie@me.com
^to God be the glory now and forever ^
