From: Grace Shaw <[email protected]>
Date: Fri, Oct 14, 2022 at 12:55 PM
Subject: you know what I need
To: <[email protected]>
I'll start this one with an apology for my inactivity recently. The past few weeks have been crazy and jam packed with different tasks, sessions, and ministry opportunities in preparation to leave the country this weekend.
That's the other thing, my squad and I fly out THIS WEEKEND!!! By 11:30 Saturday night we will be living in Guatemala & I seriously can't wait. Our time in the states has been such a beautiful and fruitful season. Everyday brought a new challenge and a new blessing. If you would've asked me what my expectations for the Race were a month and a half ago were I would miss every mark on what my life would look like. Nonetheless the Lord has provided in every way imaginable. I've wrestled with my own heart for almost 50 days now, constantly in a back and forth with incomparable joy and deep sadness and uncertainty. Humans are so fond of comfortable and consistent and stepping out of those things has been difficult and I've been forced to rely on the Lord. The best part of what feels like walking out on a plank with the hope that someone grabs your hand before you fall is that the Lord will always catch us. And not just catch us, but turn around and bless us with more than we could ever imagine. Learning to trust that the Lord will provide is not easy and I walk in that growth with Him daily. Early on in my time in Georgia I was exposed to a lot of aspects of Christianity that I hadn't experienced yet and for some reason anytime things felt crazy I would be in the midst of prayer and turn and look at one girl on K Squad and automatically feel more comfortable. Just a few days ago she and I were hiking together and she looked at me and said "Grace during that time I would always look at you and be reminded that I wasn't alone in how I was feeling". I think that's such a beautiful example of how the Lord provided a reminder for both of us that we had someone who was in the same boat and who could relate to our feelings. I've constantly been reminded of His provision over the past few weeks, in big things and small ones. We serve a faithful God and even when are unfaithful He provides for us! What a gift that is! Even on the days I feel so alone and like nothing can go right He reminds me that He'll never let me down. I can't wait to see how He continues to show up in ways that I can't even fathom with my simple human brain.
Thank you thank you thank you for continued prayers and love, it makes everyday easier knowing there are so many people at home supporting me. Please pray for my squad and the 2 others that are launching this weekend & pray for the people we will encounter and places we will go as we head out into the world! & Shoot me a text if you wanna know more about what life has looked like recently, I would love to talk!
All my love & gratitude,
I’m so proud of you! May God continue to bless you on this journey called life!! He will never leave us or forsake us! I love you sweet girl!
Hey Grace!! Luv your updates!! Keep on keepin on w/this wonderful journey you are on! Keep that beautiful smile and spirit!! ????
Grace
It was awesome hearing from you. Your words about your experience thus far are eloquently written. I think about you in hopes this mission is everything you want it to be and as I’ve said before..what an incredible opportunity!!! You got this girl..no doubt in my mind!! Always looking forward to your updates. Prayers & Love for you & everyone. Until next time..Love & Hugs, Aunt Joyce
This brought tears to my eyes! I love you so stinking much Grace and I’m so unbelievably proud of you! I wholeheartedly believe that the Lord picked one of the best people to do this. I admire your courage, willingness, and ability to do this. Just know we are all rallying behind you and can’t wait for you to come home. All my love and sadness from missing you already
I’m praying for you to be bold in your faith as you step out to share with others. 2Timothy 1:7 reminds us that as children of God, we don’t have a spirit of fear. I love you most & will talk to you soon
Love the updates Grace! It sounds like you’re exactly where you need to be and are growing in your faith. We will continue to pray for this blessed journey and those who are with you and will cross paths with you. We love and miss you!
I am so very proud of you Gracie! God will show you the way no matter what is happening in your journey! He is working on you and the Holy Spirit is with you! Loved our talk the other day! Sending lots of hugs and kisses. Trying to eat as much candy corn I can for you! Of course Grandpa has been eating lots of Oreo’s! Love you sweet girl! Look forward to hearing from you when you can. Love Grandma
Gracie,
As your big sister I am SO proud of you. You inspire me with your confidence to walk with the Lord on this journey. I remember the day you were baptized so clearly. I believe that day God began planting seeds in your life for this purpose (and so many more we don’t even know of yet). Even as a little girl you were dedicated and showed such love for the Lord. He has big big plans for you. You have an incredible ability to connect with people and sympathize with them. But also the ability to make them smile. You bring joy with you where ever you go! I can’t wait to hear about all the people God has in store for you to meet, and all the ways each experience and person adds to your journey with Christ! Sending hugs and kisses your way??
Love you with all my heart,
Sissy