No Place Like Shocco

So this past weekend I was asked to come share about my upcoming world race journey at Shocco Springs Camp and Conference Center. Which to be honest was very surprising. Getting to go back to Shocco and share was kind of like going back to where it all started. Shocco was where I grew a lot in my faith over the course of the three summers I worked and lived on campus. It is where I got the opportunity to go on my first overseas mission trip to Haiti. When I truly fell in love with missions. Shocco has made such a positive impact on my life. So much so that I got a tattoo of the leaf on the sign as you come into camp, so that everytime I look down at it on my arm I can remember all of the people and spiritual strength God has brought into my life. Throughout my fundraising journey God has shown me over and over that He is in control and this was just His latest blessing. It was a humbling opportunity to share about my trip and what brought me to the decision to go.  

When I got up to speak I was very nervous. If you know me you know even though I have an out of this world personality public speaking is not my cup of tea. As I spoke the nerves dispersed a little, but they didn’t overcome me like I thought. I shared from my heart and I truly believe I was heard. It was terrifying to get up and share, but God knew what he was doing. Even through my rambling God’s words shined through. In my opinion the most important words I shared were straight out of scripture. The words that have gotten me through the last couple years and are still getting me through from Psalms 46:10-11 “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”  These words remind me that God is in control in all things and He is with me and protecting me.

After I finished speaking and I was able to breathe again, staffers started coming up to me and telling how much they supported me and were encouraged by me. Then one staffer looks at me and says “If I give you cash right now is that ok?” I was shocked, and said sure that’s awesome. I was thinking maybe a couple bucks which I was grateful to accept, but she came back with a hundred dollar bill. My jaw dropped, she proceeds to say this was for my mission trip, but I’m fully funded, so I wanted to give it to you since I don’t need it. I couldn’t find any words. I just hugged her and thanked her. God knew what He was doing, sending me to Shocco. It was amazing to not only get to share with them, but they shared with me. 

Family is the people God puts in your life to love and support you blood or no blood. Shocco is my family. I have made relationships with people there that will last a lifetime. No matter how long I stay away I am always welcomed back with open arms and hearts as if no time has passed. Shocco will forever have a special place in my heart. Thank you God for providing as you always do, exceedingly above all I could ask or think.