The Purposed Trek

...some say freedom, some say relief, some say vacation. I am not sure what to say other than obedience is a real good thing. My last day of work is September 1st and I will miss seeing my co-workers 5-days a week however my communication will still continue personally and professionally. I have been given the great opportunity to continue working with them as a consultant from wherever I am living. I enjoy what I do for a living for the most part and have really come to take pride in certain aspects of my job. So when given the opportunity to choose which responsibilities of your job you would like to maintain as a consultant from the location of your choice it is a pretty darn good deal. 5 months ago when I was agreeing with the plan and began to trust God and allow every aspect of my life to be uprooted, I had no idea what was in store or how it all would work. In the midst of fatigue, working 14-16 hour days lately and knowing that I have to work Saturday and potentially Sunday...again, I am forever grateful for the opportunities put before me as a result of direct obedience and trusting the plan of God for my life. This is "The Purposed Trek". I, for the first time in my life, can honestly say that what I am experiencing and walking in right now is a direct result of obedience. I didn't know what lay ahead when everything was changing in my life a few months back, I still don't know what lies ahead when I return from traveling, but what I do know that the only thing that matters is that I am remain open to His plan for my life, no matter how many times the direction "changes" (what I think is change, but God knew all along). My good friend Christy, over the most amazing Cake Love cake, asked me tonight "What is for sure in your life, Marc’?" My answer was "I am flying out to the Dominican on 9/7 returning 9/13, flying out to Florida on 9/17 returning on 9/20, and flying out to Africa/England on 10/13 and returning on 12/30. And the very thing I am most sure of is God’s in control." I kept thinking/asking why is everything a blur beyond December 30th?...and then it hit me, sometimes things in the future become blurry so you can clearly see the path that is immediately before you and walk confidently in it. Bottom line - I am okay with blurring the future plans, so that I can walk in confidence down the path set before me, marked clearly for me to see NOW.

Here I sit, August 2nd at my desk at my comfortable job, thinking about all the things that I thought I needed in life...a house, a car, amazing parents, great friends, awesome church, decent salary, and the list can go on. Now it isn't that I don't need these things anymore, but they aren't the reason for my existence. I love my family, friends and the folks I work with, but a new plan has come forth and it was time to rid myself of things (not people) that were holding me back in life and following my dreams and passions. One might ask...what are your dreams and passions Marci? Well that is what has been unfolding in the days past and the days to come. I would have told you previous to my recent encounters with God that my dreams were to be financially stable and independent, to have a home, car, etc...now as I rid myself of those items and the mindset of thinking how important those things are in life, the dreams and passions that I thought were mine are being stripped away and the purpose God has created me for and the passion within my heart is being revealed. So although I am confident in the plan over the next few months that it is the right plan and the thing to do, God made it clear to me..."Don't plan on the plan". Meaning, I did show the next steps to you, but be flexible because it can all change. That was enough to cause me to cry...not just sniffle or tear-up, but an all out gusher. In the midst of bawling like a baby I surrendered to the uncertainty of my future. I surrendered to the instability of everything and the adventure that is before me. I have come to the conclusion that this is not a plan I would have ever concocted and those who know me well would completely agree. Oversees travel, no job, no home, no agenda when I get to CO, is not the typical Marci thing to do. But in this whole process, the very thing that I have been crying out for the last 2-3 years of my life is freedom and it is the very thing I am feeling. It isn't about where I reside or what I am doing for a living, it is the complete and total mindset that I am breaking out of. So in the next few months the plans thus far revealed to me may change. I did purchase the tickets to be in Africa and England from October 13th - December 30th, but what comes after that...God knows, and it could be revealed before the new year or not. It is all okay in my book - I just want to free and if that requires me not knowing the plan, then I am okay with not knowing the plan. Stay tuned for any updates. I will be posting pictures and entries for sure once the purposed trek begins.

Here is the original email sent out regarding my life... I wanted to send out an update to everyone regarding my future plans. I am relocating to Colorado Springs, Colorado in January 2007. I am looking forward to a change of scenery, life and job. I am very excited for this new path I will be walking down. Some questions you might have I will put out there with the answers: Q1: Where will you be working? A1: I have no idea, I am going to start interviewing once I move out there Q2: Why Colorado? A2: It is where I believe I am supposed to be, I love it out there, I have some great friends out there and it is half the price of DC Q3: Where will you live? A3: I have no idea. I will work with my friends on finding me a furnished room to rent and once I get a job I will then purchase a place. Q4: What is your time-line? A4: I will work full time through August and then move to part time or as needed until the middle of October. Middle of October fly to Africa (South Africa and Zimbabwe) and do a safari, white water rafting and visit friends. On the way back stop over in London and spend 2 months with my friends there. Fly back to DC after Christmas and 1st week of January head west with my clothes, shoes, music, books, some photos, and my computer...and possibly a friend for the trip. Q5: What do your parents think? A5: 100% in support of my decision, as a matter of fact they might be joining me for the trip out west when I move. Q6: What are you doing with your condo? A6: I am in the midst of selling it and will be out within the first 2 weeks of July. Q7: Where are you living until you leave in October? A7: My friend in Northwest DC has graciously opened up her basement apartment to me (Thanks LWalker). So that is what my next 6 months look like. If you have any questions I would be happy to answer them. I also welcome visitors out west - there land is ready for hiking, biking, snow sports, boating and hanging out, and I will be ready too. Did I mention there is no humidity? That makes me smile. Last but not least, I want to acknowledge God in everything. He has made this path very clear and has provided me with awesome friends and parents who have been nothing but an encouragement and I would not be where I am today or in 6 months without them. So thanks to all those who have shared in the excitement and encouraged me to take the step of faith and go with my "gut". I will truly miss everyone here in DC, but won't forget where I have come from.