Beautiful Youngstown

Beautiful is not typically a word you hear associated with Youngstown, Ohio.

You hear words like- Poverty stricken, murder capitol, cloudy, dark, boring... the list goes on.

Yet, in all my travels I have never experienced a city like my hometown!

Maybe everyone says that? I don't know. :)

I've personally been praying alot lately for a new and more passionate love and drive to see Youngstown saved and turned around for Jesus!

I've been thinking so much about how my heart yearns for the nations and peoples of the world, yet I'm still living here. Obviously, God is not done in Youngstown, Ohio yet- So neither am I!

I have decided I will serve, interceed and work for this city with my WHOLE heart until God calls me elsewhere. And what better ground to prepare for the nations then in my own city?

Infact in Acts 1:8 thats exactly what Jesus told the disciples to do!

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria were the disciples hometowns. Jesus specifically told them to start there first!

So thats exactly what I'm going to do!

I've also come to realize the true beauty of Youngstown isn't in who she is today, but also in who she used to be. (And no, I'm not just talking about the Mafia years and such.) And it's not just in her buildings or landscape, but in the people who live here!

There's so much history to her. So many people have spent their lives loving, living working and raising family's in Youngstown.

She has survived, even when no one else thought she would.,. And for that I love her! (Yes, I'm aware I'm refering to my city as a girl. haha!)

So this blog I'm dedicating to my beloved hometown! Its going to be the best summer and I can't wait to see all that God does here! Let the preparation begin...

Covenant Friends!!

I am SO thankful for the amazing friends God has blessed my life with!

There is nothing in the whole world like covenant friendships! Covenant friendships are the kind of friendships where you sit and talk for hours and it feels like minutes. The kind of friendships that challenge you and cause you to run after Jesus and the passions He's placed in your heart with even more FIRE then before! The kind where you walk away feeling refreshed and lifted up.

These are the friendships I am most thankful for!

Lauren and I showing off our Africa rings from Gabby!

I got to see and spend time with my Lauren tonight for the 1st time since I left! She is one of my Cov' Besties and an absolutely beautiful woman of God! I enjoy every moment I get to spend with her! :)

I really love and appreciate all my friends!! ......

My lifetime friends- Allie and Katie

My Adventure buddy- Marissa

I'm also heartsick for all my friends around the world.....

I love you all so much and I am so thankful for who you are in my life. There is to many of you to mention everyone... but please know that you are ALWAYS in my heart, and have forever impacted my life!

Samuel 18:3 "Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself."

My Heart is Home.

Where do I begin??

I'm officially back in America...But my heart will forever be at home in the Nations.Missionary life is the BEST life, there's nothing like it in the whole World!I have come to realize... It's the only life for me.

My heart feels so torn, in a good way. (Is that possible?) :)
I'm so happy to see my family and friends back herein America, but my heart misses Ethiopia and my Ethiopian, Swedish, Norwegian, Latina and of course American (I love you my Gabby!) family!

I was so blessed to serve every single day alongside the most amazing missionaries on the planet. Men and women of God who have given their lives to see the Kingdom advanced in Ethiopia and around the world.They are my heroes!! Thank you Samuel, Gabrielle, Filip, Erik, Maja, Katish, Katrina, Ashagre, Mohammed, Senabwa and little Naftali for taking me in and making me apart of your family. For taking such good care of me and for teaching me what real missionaries and servants are!

I can't believe my trip is over, but thankfully I know it's only the beginning!So now I'm home and I will serve and give my life here in the U.S.A until Holy Spirit moves and says something else, Because your a missionary no matter where you live.

One thing I know for sure- I will never be the same!
India and Africa have not only become adventures in my life but imprints in my heart! I don't know where to begin to tell people about all that God has done in me... but maybe sharing some pictures will help.

Thank you Jesus for this amazing life!! and being able to be with my bestie in the nations :)

My little friend from India

This boy taught me what loving on the least of these is all about!
I took his picture and gave him the only thing I had- a smile and a piece of gum. And it made him so happy!

My sister in heart and spirit- Maja!!

My heart was completely undone by the street kids in Ethiopia. Their thankful for food if you give it to them, their thankful if you play with them... but what their most hungry for is love!
My highlight of my day EVERYDAY was walking where the street kids were and being run over by their hugs! I miss them SO MUCH!!

Pretty soon this will be a return ticket to the Nations!
(instead of a handwritten one home.) :)
This is only the beginning.... the rest is still unwritten.