SEND North America Hello beloved family and friends! I have an announcement!
I have recently applied to a discipleship training program across the country called SEND North America (SEND stands for Servants Equipping New Disciples). SEND is a program dedicated to teaching 18- 25 year olds, like myself, become disciples of Christ, through biblical teachings, missions work, and leadership training. To be honest, I’ve kind of had an inner battle the past several years, trying to decide what I want the next steps of my life to be, but I think this is the direction I want to go for now and after praying on it, I genuinely believe that God wants me to attend. If you read my last major blog post, you may know of my previous plans for backpacking Europe. I’ve wanted to backpack around Europe since I was 13. It always seemed like the ultimate fantasy lifestyle, moving from place to place, meeting new people, going on adventures and learning valuable life lessons. And although it’s still on my bucket list, I’ve felt that backpacking as a lifestyle just doesn’t fit me anymore. I’ve lost my passion for it and that blog post was partly written to convince myself into loving it again. I hasn’t really worked. My family and I have been living in Salt Lake City for the last few months but before that we had been living in Joshua Tree, California for about 2 and a half years. During our time living there, I was introduced a church called Church on the Hill. There, I learned many valuable lessons that kind of attributed to my shifted passion. Just a few are:
These lessons have inspired a new desire in me that's I hadn't really felt before: to help others, to have a heart for people. I’m so excited to learn and grow with others in such an amazing community like SEND. Throughout my time at SEND I will be devoted to deepening my faith further, through teachings from over 50 pastors, ministry leaders, missionaries, church planters, and more. Part of the program’s lesson plan is to help the students figure out where God wants them to go with their lives, and then equip them to pursue it with a godly attitude. Along with the lessons, each week my SEND team and I will participate in local mission service opportunities. I will also experience seven domestic mission excursions all throughout the country, and one international mission trip at the end of my SEND experience. I can’t wait to see how God will use this time to grow myself and those around me! One big thing that sets this program apart from any regular seminary or college is that it is one of the first of its kind committed to graduating it’s students completely debt free! In order to do this, SEND challenges each of its students, including me, to find a minimum of ten sponsors or ‘support partners’ to financially support me to cover the tuition of the program which equates to $5,000 USD. In return for their generous giving, each of the families/individuals I’m in partner with will have the opportunity to receive monthly specialized newsletters, written by me, describing in detail how their donations are affecting and growing myself, my fellow students, and the Kingdom of God. Although I will begin blogging about my adventures there often, the newsletters provide an in depth behind the scenes including pictures and stories specially for those whom have chosen to give financially. I ask you to prayerfully consider partnering with me through this adventure, and I also ask you to pray for me both as I raise the tuition and during my time growing at SEND. If you have any questions, are interested in becoming a support partner, or would like to know more about SEND North America, you can visit their website or contact me with the information below. Thank you! I’ll be turning 18 soon. I am so excited and scared and sad and happy... My life has gone by so fast. I will no longer be a kid. I’ll have responsibility and expectation resting on my shoulders. It’s been awhile since I’ve written or told anyone the answer I get asked most often: “What are you going to be?” It comes in other forms, too: “What will your major be? What college are you going to?”
In reply I usually answer “Uhhhh…I have no idea.” Disappointed, they probe, “Well, what are you interested in?” “Nothing.” I say “And Everything.” “If you have so many interests why don’t you just pick one.” they say, “Make sure to pick one that makes lots of money, too” Usually I’ll nod and thank them for their advice and they’ll walk away, feeling proud to have helped me make one of the most important decisions of my life. But they don’t understand, I don’t want a career! Hello! Wow, it's been over half a year since my last post on here. I just thought I'd give you an update on what's goin' on in my life:
1) My family and I moved to a property in Joshua Tree, California We had previously been living in a house in the area and thought it would be cool to settle down off grid. It was a really cool experience living there and I loved it! There were some hard things (such as the lack of power and only having an outdoor shower) they were such a challenge that were fun to try to get used to! 2) While living in JT I got really involved in church. We found a church in Joshua Tree where I've made a lot of good friends and it they have always been so accepting and friendly. I'm so thankfull for all of them there. I've gotten really involved there, volunteering a bunch and joining their church band, being a Small Group leader (teaching the Jr High youth group) and helping with various other things. It has been such a blessing learning and growing with them and learning how I can strengthen my relationship with God and his people! I am so blessed for my time there! I'll miss you guys!! 3) Now, recently, we have moved back to Salt Lake City and plan on staying for a while. We are currently at my grandma's house but plan on getting a house of our own soon. Ephraim and Lorna are also preparing to go to charter schools next year in the area and they're working really hard. 4) As for me, I am preparing to earn my High School Diploma by the end of the school year; as well as my drivers licence. I have some future plans that I plan on talking about further in my next blog post which will hopefully be posted on here in the next few days... So, yeah, what's what's been up for me... What about you guys? Love you all so much! ~Hestar Hey, sup! Sorry, I've been meaning to post but just havent. So here's what been up lately... I got some new pet crabs for my birthday! They are so cute!! The problem is that they are scared of cameras so I haven't gotten a good picture of them yet. There are four of them, named: -Gummi (mine) -Sleeping Butty Crystal Sparkle Princess (Cedars) -Qaddumi (Ephraims) -Princess (Lornas) I have also taken some pictures of Joshua Tree National Park, Its really amazing there. Here are some of my favorite things about Joshua Tree National Park... Hello! Here is what's new!
Ephraim and I are now back with mom and fam. from visiting dad (hi dad!) We have stopped traveling. We are renting a house in southern California. I have an awesome new room with a desk and a closet. (sharing it with my little sis, Cedar) We have a trampoline in the back yard. Our back and front yards are huge! Living stationary is going to get some getting used to. It is going to be a fun break from RV life, though. I already miss traveling, but it's okay, hopefully we will start again soon-ish. :) Our new house is huge and in a nice neighborhood. I have tons of wall space in my room! It's so warm here (it's january and 70 degrees outside!!!) If you are a friend or family member comment below and I'll give you my new official address. >.< I will be putting pics on Instagram and here soon, so watch for them! ;) Habits
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Hestar McLAwsHestar is a teenage roadschooler, gypsy, entrepreneur, artist, and lover or life! She enjoys doing schoolwork, drawing, writing, reading, and daydreaming. ;) |