Change

May 16^th 2011 I embarked on a new journey.  I moved to Gainesville, Georgia to begin working for Adventures in Missions.  When I was offered the job at AIM, I had a lot to take care of in my life in order make the transition happen.  I had to wrap up my life in North Carolina, pack all of my belongings, figure out a plan for moving, raise $3,000 in support, and wrap up my 7 year run of working in higher education, then transition to the field of missions.  5 weeks later, two of my students helped me drive the moving truck to Georgia.
 
Life changed.  Quickly.
 
When I was younger, I remember my dad called while he was at work to tell my mom and I that he needed our help because he was going to do a showing of our house to sell it.  He would show it that day when he got home.  Oh, by the way, we had not discussed selling our house.  He decided that day.   The house we were living in was one my parents had dreamed about building and helped to build. I lived there since I was 8 years old.  Needless to say, I had some attachment to this house.    So, on a Tuesday evening, I was told we were going to sell the house and that we would show it that night.   There was no time for processing.  It was a matter of getting the house clean quickly for showing.  Friday, the house was sold.
 
Life changed: Quickly.
 
Change is not unfamiliar to me.  Life is always changing.  It’s always moving. We live in constant motion.  So, it should come as no surprise to me, that life is changing again.
 
On Friday morning, I decided that I needed to give my two weeks notice at Adventures in Missions.  When I started here at AIM, I planned on being here long term.  I planned on doing missions and being support raised indefinitely.  I was committed to the long haul…but sometimes the Lord changes your plan.  Sometimes, even though you are committed, the circumstances change.
 
So, come June 27^th, I will be moving back to Michigan.   

 
I want to share with you how thankful I am for you being part of my journey.
Many of you have sacrificed, prayed for me, and given financially.  And I want to say thank you.  From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!!! Your efforts have impacted people around the world and will continue to do so.  Even right now, as I am writing this letter, I am preparing to go to Peru tomorrow, where people are waiting to hear about Jesus and the hope that He brings.  Just as you have been part of my life and supporting me, you are becoming part of their life by being involved in this ministry.  Your involvement in my ministry goes beyond the framework of the people that I have direct contact with and is far reaching.

As next steps, some things are unclear.  It is my intent to stay connected to AIM, and to continue to be involved in missions and ministry throughout my life.  However, I am being lead to return to Michigan and dedicate this upcoming year to paying off my debt and finding financial freedom. 
               
If you are financially supporting me through Adventures in Missions, you can discontinue your financial support as of June 30^th.  If you would like to help me in my next journey, I will be working to pay off the $20,000 of debt that I have remaining.  I would appreciate your prayers for this next season of my journey.  Specifically, I would appreciate prayers for employment, finances, and what my local ministry might look like. 
 
You have all been a great support team to me, and again I want to say thank you.  I will keep you updated on what God is doing in my journey. 
 
Blessings to you,
Julie