Not Yet Home
Fall Update
"And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them."
Hebrews 11:15-16
Hello Friends and Family! It’s been a minute since I last wrote to you all, and I apologize for the delay. I knew it was time to write a newsletter when a friend the other day told me “I must’ve unsubscribed to your newsletter, I haven't gotten anything from you.” To which I told her that there was nothing to receive since I hadn’t written one. It’s been on my mind to communicate all that the Lord has been doing, but I naturally wanted to wait till I had it all figured out. Which is when I realized that time would never come, so I might as well let you in on these things so you can pray alongside me.
Indonesia Vision Tour
As most of you know, a team and I went to Indonesia for a vision tour in September and it was such a sweet time. We got to travel all around the beautiful island, passing many temples and monuments built unto these gods. We had the opportunity to visit an established church in the city, as well as visit a network of village ministries, orphanages, and addiction recovery ministries. The biggest thing I left with was that the people were so united in a vision to meet the needs of the island. I saw the Lord open amazing doors and my heart was left open and curious to return. I felt open to go back since we only spent a week there and I had so many questions and spaces I wanted to exist in for longer. So, I went back home to Washington and spent some time with the Lord.
Pictures from Indonesia!
One of the Recovery Ministries we got to visit!
Fellowshipping with local believers after Sunday Service.
My sweet friends Alani (right) and Macey (left) who were on the trip with me!
This was most of our team! Just missing two
Back in the PNW
If I’m being honest, being at home was really hard at first. I found myself grieved at the reality of my heart and the circumstances that surrounded me. After Indonesia, my heart had been captured, and I was quite frankly dissatisfied with being home. I knew that I needed to reconnect with my church, gain partnerships, and build vision if I ever wanted to go overseas, but somehow that task felt like a mountain I could not climb. I soon realized that the state of my heart is what Jesus talks about many times. This imagery of us as believers pilgriming our way through the earth. Although I’m physically home, I’m still not home yet. My heart longs for a place that I’m not called to be just yet, that being heaven. Don’t get worried I’m not trying to get “emo” on all of you haha, but I’ve just been so struck by the fact that this hole in my heart won't even be satisfied when I move longterm—for we desire a heavenly place.
So..What now?
In the wake of those realizations and emotions I was like “Okay, Lord, if I should go back to Indonesia, I need you to show me.” I didn’t want to just jump onto someone else’s new and exciting vision. Through those prayers, the Lord began to connect me with a network of all things Indonesia that I never realized were right in my backyard. As He connected me to missionaries that desired to walk alongside me and those interested as we navigate this new vision, as He revealed a community of 60-80 Indonesian Christians that gather in my church together regularly, I saw that He had already been doing something. As I’ve felt a little overwhelmed by all of these new partnerships and people eager to share about their Indonesian heritage and heart for their home country, I feel like I’d be a fool to not continue forward in steps of faith and see what God might do with my simple ‘yes.’
With that being said, I plan to return to Indonesia next year for an extended vision tour. I’m still praying through the timing to when I’ll go as my home church also has a process for longer trips like this, and I want to integrate their vision as well. For those couple of months I desire to begin learning the language, connecting with partnerships I’ve begun making since being home, and visit my home church’s ministry in a neighboring island in Indonesia. My plan while being home is to continue serving in my church, fostering relationships and cultivating a team at my church to get behind me on this. I mean what better space than a community of immigrated Indonesians right out of my own church?? I’m still working through details, timelines, and all of that good stuff. For now, I ask that you continue in prayer for myself and others that plan to step into what I believe God is doing. There’s so many things I don’t know and questions I still have, but I’m stepping out in faith as I see the Lord doing something really cool that I want to be a part of!
Something the Lord’s been teaching me is simply more about who He is. At the beginning of this year I had no idea what I was doing (I still don't). I knew that I was supposed to move home and that there was something for me here and as I reflect on how good God has been, I see it. I see how He asked for my obedience and faithfulness before I would know what it could become. Seeing if I’d trust Him even though I could not see. I truly am overwhelmed with gratitude for the many conversations and tears I had with leaders, mentors, and friends as I wearily said yes and trusted a God I could not make sense of. He truly has led and guided me thus far, and I know He will continue to do so. I see now how intentional He has been all along!
Please respond with your mailing address for my records, and so I can send you all a little Christmas gift. Truly from the bottom of my heart I am thankful for every prayer and every dollar that has come my way. Till next time! - Dani
Prayer Requests:
Continued partnerships for Indonesia
Confirmation for those the Lord is calling to this place
Faithfulness in this season!
Financial provision
Praise Reports:
I got a new job!
The Lord is speaking and moving clearly in my life
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