This past week I returned from my 'Final Debrief' in Guatemala. My World Race squad wrapped up their 11 month journey of letting God lead them and living out the gospel around the world. 

The week after a Squad Mentor finishes with a World Race we're supposed to take a week of 'rest and reflection'. If you know me well you know that's sometimes hard for me to do. My life is usually packed from one adventure or experience to the next, but over the last two years I've become much better at taking intentional times of reflection. 

As I looked back on my year the word TRUST continued to enter my mind. 2017 has been a year of trust in many different ways:

- In 2016 we felt God giving us a vision of my route not using the traditional structure of hosts, but instead listening to Him for direction daily. This was a huge adjustment and one where I had to rely on Him constantly in my leadership. 

One small example was having our training camp in Uganda. Through prayer it became clear that we were supposed to start our journey in East Africa...yet it defied logic and reason. I helped organize and plan the training in a country I had never been to, with limited resources and staff...and God blew us away with what He had for us. It just took a big step of trusting His voice above the logical choice. 

- As a leader I continued to learn that allowing people to 'fail' and grow is actually one of the best things I can do for them. It meant trusting in God's plan for them above my own, and letting go of the feeling that how my squad 'performs' is a reflection of my leadership and value. 

- As I continue to support raise for my job I trust in His provision and God bringing partners into my life who will invest in what I'm doing. 2017 was my 4th year in a row support raising and yet God continues to provide for my every need. 

- In July I asked Stephanie out on a date and we decided to start dating, even knowing our job commitments were in different states for at least a year. It wasn't what I logistically envisioned in a relationship, but I trusted that the desires God put on our hearts would play out in His plan. Although we still don't know exactly what the future holds, her friendship has a been a huge blessing this year. 

It's hard for me to wrap me mind around the fact December is nearly upon us. The Christmas season always goes quick for me, especially as I spend the next few weeks preparing for our Colombia training camp in January...but in all the goodness I'm thankful for the change to slow down and reflect on a great year. A year of TRUST. 

Can't wait to see what the journey of 2018 brings!