Learning to Seek The Spirit
I’ve recently found myself convicted about the ways I seek out and listen to the Holy Spirit. Throughout October, my home church has been encouraging us to earnestly and wholeheartedly pursue the Spirit in all that we do. As I’ve spent time reflecting on the sermons both in my own quiet moments with the Lord and in my weekly small group, it’s become clear how little I feel I know about the Spirit. Especially when it comes to seeking Him. At the beginning of the month, I began reading through the book of Acts, hoping it would help lay a biblical foundation for understanding the works of the… Read more
Moving back to America
This month I finished my term and made it back to America. My last few weeks were full, surreal, and very emotional. I experienced so many “lasts” and had lots of tearful goodbyes. I’m still processing the end of that part of my life, but a few moments and thoughts stand out the most. In my last coffee date with my friend, D, who I previously shared the meaning of communion with, she was the one who opened the door for spiritual conversation! She asked about Christmas and different Christian beliefs. We talked about Christmas Eve church services and I shared how we often use candles to… Read more
Hobbies
A dear friend, older and wiser than me, told me to bring my hobbies and passions with me into a new culture. She had lived in multiple countries in the Middle East and said her love for painting and drawing has helped her build relationships and kept her afloat emotionally in tough times. I took her advice and have found ways to pursue activities I enjoy in a new context. A few months ago I joined a girls running club. Once a week we get together and run three or four kilometers. I ran cross country and track in high school before getting into weightlifting while in college. When I… Read more
"I Think I Could be Brave Enough"
"I think- I don't know- but I think I could be brave enough." (Lucy, from C. S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe) I told my mom when I was a little girl—five to be exact—“I want to be a missionary when I grow up.” Honestly, I don’t even remember it—as far as I know, I have always had a burning desire to be somewhere else, where there are people who have never heard the name of Jesus, and to proclaim Him there. I’ve always wanted to go, and I’ve always known that desire was from the Lord. I took a class called Perspectives on the World Christian Movement that challenged me with a… Read moreHow I'm Leaning into the Waiting
The waiting is something I’ve touched on in a few of my posts, and I’ve shared the struggle that comes with it at times. This past month, I’ve decided to lean into and fully embrace this season of expectant waiting that God has me in, rather than trying to actively fight it. Language Learning I’ve begun to merely touch the surface in the world of language learning by doing lessons on Duolingo, making an effort to learn and recite the Greek alphabet, listening to Greek music, and occasionally watching kids’ shows (such as Bluey) in Greek. While I’m not counting on learning anything formal by… Read morePost Support Raising Reflections :)
When I saw that I finally met my initial fundraising goal, I felt quite emotional. Not only was this super huge part of my preparation process completed to help me be able to actually leave for the field, but I began to think more about what all of this meant. This meant that so many people had sacrificially given to support my living and ministry expenses while serving. I was overwhelmed thinking about the people who opened their schedules to meet with me. Who turned to prayer to seek the Lord in discerning how to use their gifts and resources. Who rearranged parts of their budget in… Read more
Its me, Jada!
Hey! My name is Jada! I’m from Grand Rapids, Michigan, and I grew up loving all four seasons (I honestly don’t have a favorite). I love beach days at Holland State Park, going to Robinette’s in the fall, and drinking cider with friends. Skiing is one of my favorite things to do in the winter, and spring brings new life and a fresh scent to the earth. I went to Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, where I studied Graphic Design, Creativity and Innovation, and minored in Digital Marketing while playing soccer. I loved my time at Cornerstone, learning design, competing in soccer, and… Read more