Hello everyone! It has been a while since I've posted an update on my GOCorps journey! It has been a crazy process of raising support thus far, and I'm still going!
When I began raising support back in June, I was immediately overwhelmed. Not only had I been raising support full-time, but I was also working at a coffee shop and finishing the last class of my undergrad simultaneously. This meant painfully early mornings, rushed work days, and late- very late- nights. My days were crowded, my notebooks had coffee stains painted throughout them, and I couldn't seem to wash the smell of espresso out of my clothes. Needless to say, I was burnt out quickly. Despite my efforts of trying to raise all of my support within a limited timeframe while also working and finishing school, I just couldn't make it happen. This was discouraging at first, of course. I felt like I failed at pursuing God's plan; like I had let Him down by not being able to raise all of my support on time. However, as the weeks continue to go by, I realize He has me exactly where He wants me, and where He has always wanted me. I am now on the winter cycle, which means I will leave for training in January and fly out to the UK in March- on my birthday!
So, how does this all add up? I've been extraordinarily blessed to get reconnected and invested with my home church now that I am back from college. There are many people within this church that have gone above and beyond to see me grow and pursue His calling in missions throughout this process. One of the pastors sat down with me a couple weeks ago- at this point I was feeling highly discouraged and questioning my calling altogether. We had a great chat overall, but if there was one thing I took away from it, it was the advice he gave me: "Tammy, you need a friend." He continued, "Tammy, I have had many friends throughout my life, but it wasn't until moving to the States [he's from the UK himself!] that I've made a true friend. And that's what you need. You need to get invested here at home, make some friends, get connected."
Of all the things I was expecting out of this conversation, this was not one of them. Make friends? I don't have time to make friends. I have to go to Europe! I'll make plenty of friends over there! Funny how God smacks you in the face with reality, huh?
Here is what I am learning. Right now, God has me here, in Pittsburgh, for another four months or so. I am blessed to be in a situation where I can now focus completely on raising support without the stress of outside work. While being here, He has called me to focus on relationships, too. I have friends, but I am finding that- throughout these past few weeks especially- there are certain people who God wants me to know on a deeper level. And it's great! I'm meeting many awesome people, reconnecting with old friends and learning more about myself in the calling that God has for me right now to just be present at home. I have absolutely no idea what He will do with these friendships. However, I know that right now my obedience is leading me to joyfulness and continual learning. I am so excited to continue this process of raising support and making friends while doing so!