From Crawlspaces to Kingdom Places

Intro 

I officially made it through all of training camp! Right now, I’m sitting at Farmhouse Coffee in Gainesville for debrief—but before I dive into this week, I have to share: last week in North Carolina I got to sleep in a REAL bed (a big win after weeks of camp life.) 

This past week was so unique and special—filled with worship, giant spiders, mud, fire burns, hard work, and even some authentic Mexican cooking.

But let me back up and give you a quick recap of last week. It was full of precious, God-filled moments. On our final revival night, I went in asking the Lord what He wanted from me. His answer was simple: be there for your friends as they encounter Me. So that night I prayed over them and got to sit back and watch as they experienced the Lord in such powerful, personal ways. It was such a gift to witness.

We also had breakout sessions, and I chose one on how to write and deliver a sermon. It was such a meaningful experience—asking the Lord what He wanted me to share, then actually constructing a message around it.

PREDOMESTIC MINISTRY

Saturday, after a simple lunch on the training center floor, we packed up and drove 3 ½ hours to Black Mountain, North Carolina. The next morning was staff Sabbath, so we split up with the other Gap Year squad and visited local churches. My team The Gili Girlies went to a small church called Living Hope. It was the sweetest little place and such a fun, refreshing experience. When we got back, we had lunch together and then spent the afternoon exploring town, shopping, grabbing coffee, and just hanging out until dinner at 6. That night, I closed out the day relaxing with friends until lights out at 11. 

The next morning, my sweet friend Ella and I woke up around 5:30 to do firewatch from 6–8 before breakfast. Firewatch is simply spending time in the presence of the Lord—praying, reading His Word, and listening without distractions. It was so fulfilling.

That morning I was reading in Genesis and Colossians, and the Lord highlighted something so powerful: EVERYONE—no matter their background, family life, or gender—is equal before the Father. He reminded me through Colossians 2:19:

“They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.”

Wow. It hit me that Christ is the Head, and everything only works as it should when we stay connected to Him. It was both encouraging and convicting an urgent reminder not to lose contact with the Father.

In Genesis, I was also reminded of God’s faithfulness as I read about His promises to Abraham. The Lord always keeps His promises He is steady, unchanging, and true.

WORKING IN THE HOMES

Monday was our first day of domestic ministry in Black Mountain, North Carolina. We arrived at the home of Nettie and Gloria, who welcomed us so warmly. That day was spent cutting insulation and crawling under the house to install it—a messy, tiring job, but rewarding. We made it back just in time to shower before dinner (burgers, which tasted amazing after a long day!), and then relaxed together until lights out at 11.

Tuesday and Wednesday followed a similar rhythm. I started each morning with coffee, quiet time, and a simple breakfast of bagels, peanut butter, and fruit before heading back to Nettie and Gloria’s house. I worked hard to be helpful wherever needed, but those crawl spaces definitely tested me—especially when my squad leader Abby and I came face to face with a HUGE spider and some jumping crickets (one even landed on my face!). It might sound small, but we prayed right there that the Lord would protect us—and the rest of the day, we didn’t see a single bug. He really does care about every detail of our lives and protects His children.

One of the sweetest blessings of the week was Gloria’s hospitality. On Tuesday she made us gorditas with hibiscus tea, and on Wednesday she cooked fajitas. It was such a gift of love, and it reminded me how the Lord blesses those who serve His Kingdom. Nettie and Gloria were such a blessing to us—they poured out love and generosity even though we had just met.

Thursday was our final workday, and I started it with a 5:30 a.m. run. It was refreshing and life-giving—the perfect way to begin the day with worship, movement, and some of my favorite people. Later that morning we wrapped up at Nettie and Gloria’s house, getting absolutely covered in mud (and loving every second of it!).

That afternoon we moved to another home, where I had the chance to do something really special. While my teammates installed insulation, I felt the Lord calling me to simply pause and rest in His presence. I spent that time writing Scripture and encouragements on the walls and praying over each room.

The whole day was marked by prayer and dependence on the Lord. It reminded me that what looks like ordinary work,cutting, doing insulation and , building is actually kingdom work. We weren’t just repairing houses; we were shaping lives. It was such a blessing to be part of something bigger than myself and to realize that in serving, God allows us to step into someone’s story of restoration.

Friday morning was both special and bittersweet as we had to say goodbye to our incredible leader Mary. She was such a gift to us—wise, patient, and such a blessing to work alongside. We also said goodbye to the sweet kids who had been running around all week, which tugged on all our hearts.

During worship that morning, I was sitting cross-legged on the ground, resting in the Father’s presence, but honestly I  was having a rough time. Out of nowhere, a precious little girl named Hazel came and sat in my lap. What might seem small or even like a distraction was actually the Lord reminding me how deeply He loves me and sees me. He used one of His sweetest gifts a child to comfort and encourage me right when I needed it most. GOD IS SO GOOD. He often uses the simplest things to impact us in ways we’ll never forget.

This week drew me so much closer to my team, and it was such a blessing to make others feel loved as we served together. Serving the Lord is hard work, but it is always rewarding.

We made it back to base around 4:30 p.m., and to our excitement, we found out it’s supposed to storm all week—which means we get to sleep inside! YAY! One giant sleepover with D and C Squad! I seriously love Jesus and these people so much.

TAKEAWAY

If there’s one thing I’d encourage you with, it’s this: slow down and make space to sit in the Lord’s presence. He will reveal so much to you if you let Him. He will never leave you or forsake you. You are so deeply loved and chosen by your Father in heaven. Love you guys! 

Fundraising update: 

I am currently 62% funded and would love if you could partner with me financially anything helps and prayer and connection is more than appreciated too!! Love yall so muchh!!