Hello friends.
This blog should have come out a while ago, two months-ish to be exact. But its one that took me a while to come to grips with.
I’m home. On March 19 my squad flew home from Nicaragua and said our goodbyes. It was heart breaking, full of tears, so much frustration, ohhhh so much sadness. Due to the Corona Virus, our parent ministry made the difficult but wise decision to pull us off the field.
We didn’t get a debrief, we couldn’t gather outside of the airport, it was super hard. I say all this to contrast the blessing of the last two months home. It was painful, but I started to realize all the things the Lord spoke over Nicaragua were coming to fruition, stateside. It was a season just as fruitful, stretching, and full of blessing as the one in Nicaragua would have been. Instead of Granada, Nicaragua, the first 1 1/2 months home for me happened in a host home in Peach Tree Corners, GA. This unexpected turn was such a move of God. Doors opened to me as I was trying to process and grieve the race, and I was ushered in by the Lord. He really did take me from glory, to glory. While a very stubborn confused Carissa slowly caught on.
I was surrounded by the community of 4 girls from my squad all within 30 minutes – the biggest gift from God. I grew in humility, in deep roots, I learned more of what grief looks like, and the biggest thing spoken over Nicaragua: Community. And it didn’t just happen, it happened full force, full of overwhelming love, healing deep wounds, hurricane force but also full of the gentle wind of the spirit, community.
So that, for the most part is where I have been. And for the past couple weeks I have been here, preparing for the next season!!! But more on that another time.
In honor of today being the last official day I was supposed to be on the World Race, I will be doing long awaited photo blogs. One for each country. More than amazing long testimonies to accompany each, ill just be doing little blurbs with each photo or set of photos. This is for my supporters, and anyone interested, but also for me to keep a digital journal of some moments I find dear. So some of these photos might not have a ton of context, but feel free to ask questions.
glory to glory,
Carissa
Carissa,
I cannot imagine what it was like to not be able to finish your Race. I am deeply sorry and at the same time, I know that God has a plan for all of it. I’m encouraged to hear that your time home has been sweet. Can’t wait to hear more.
Honored to walk alongside you this past season. You’re a powerful force for the Kingdom!!! See you soon:-)
Thankful these months have been restorative. Looking forward to hearing what is next. Love you!
Carissa…cannot wait to catch up with you in person and read your blogs. Love the pictures of your team…a picture is worth many words.