Hey there, Friend! I hope this new post finds you well.
Here I am, currently sitting at the Brisbane Airport, saying goodbye to Australia & soon to say hello to Indonesia. 1 month down, 10 more to go on this journey & it has flown by almost all too quickly. While I look forward to what lies ahead, this time has just been so sweet. From worship nights in the park, to hanging out with wild kangaroos, to meeting new friends, to building deeper relationships within the squad, to digging within my own heart, to partake with individuals in experiencing the love of God, to hearing stories after stories, to feeling the refreshing waves crash over my body, it’s been almost surreal. There is so much to share, so much to process, so much to learn. I know I have said it about a million times already, but I am just so grateful & thankful to Abba for this opportunity & for those of you who helped make it happen through encouragement & support. Thank you, a million times more.
The past two weeks have been full to the brim. Between serving the local population, immersing into the cultures, team time, squad time, & personal time, by the time I actually lay my head down to rest, it’s usually within moments that I am asleep. While we were in Australia, each night we slept on the floors of a church building, with the sleeping pads & sleeping bags we brought. So far, so good, however there was one night that I felt a little uneasy because I was a bit worried I might wake up to a little lizard friend, that I had seen fall from the ceiling onto the floor & skit away into the corner. I thought to myself, “oh gosh, hope I don’t find that guy hanging out in my sleeping bag, haha!”
With the sleeping pad, i’ve figured out almost the perfect set up. if I lay completely flat, arms upon stomach, then my whole body fits. Pop those earplugs in & an eye mask every once in a while & it’s golden. Haha! I’m only kidding. The sleeping pad isn’t anything close to a twin size bed, but it surely gets the job done & truly, its a privilege to have a roof over my head, let alone a bed.
Quite honestly, I have appreciated the simplicity of living so much & have only grown in gratitude for all that I & many have been given in this life. As I grow in appreciation for the simple way of current living, I also feel like it resonates with what Abba is doing within my own spirit, growing me to simply receive His love with arms wide open, no strings attached. It is refreshing on so many levels.
As I sit here reflecting on a favorite moment or conversation I’ve experienced in the past week, the snake & a man conversation is what comes to mind. As some friends & I were loading up in one of the giant white vans of the church parking lot, there was a man a couple cars down who pointed to us, then pointed to a palm tree nearby & said for us to come have a look. Sure enough, it was a snake, wrapped around a palm tree, just chillin & slithering around. It was pretty awesome! & from there led into a conversation with this wonderful man. As a friend & I talked with him, he shared that he “felt” a kind of positive energy & love in the air & sometimes would park in this church parking lot because he felt good vibes coming from it. As conversation continued the opportunity came up to encourage this man by believing for restoration in different areas of his life. We said goodbye to this man with great big hugs, & tears. He left off saying “God sent me a message today through you guys”. I walked away humbled, honored & full of gratitude.
I can hardly keep up with the new experiences everyday, it is honestly like a dream. A beautiful, messy, adventurous, refreshing, dream that is actually a dream come true. I can’t wait for more.
Coming up…. From February 10th to March 10th we will be in Indonesia, on the East side, moving around a bit & asking God what is in store for each day. I am stoked to experience the culture, people, learn, grow, & discover this country & it’s people.
For the prayer warrior, these are my current prayer requests:
-More Healing 🙂
-More growth in identity as a child of God
-Heightened discernment in new locations
-Guidance through each day
-Smooth travels to Indonesia
-Housing accommodations for the next two months
That’s it for now, mate! Thank you so much for checking in. I love hearing from each and everyone of you.
With love,
Kailey
P.S. Have any book recommendations for me? Would love to hear what you like!
Wow! The Lord is already showing you so much! The snake story is awesome, especially since God used a pretty much hated creature to spark a divine encounter with that man. That being said, I’m fine if he doesn’t use snakes in any way with me. Or lizards. Blessings to you.
Beautiful words…simple living sets us up for eye opening experiences! Can’t wait to see whats ahead, Kailey! ox
Wow Kailey, Your journey sounds amazing! I love that you are staying so positive and upbeat. As I read your post today, the holy spirit surged through me for about 30 seconds straight. I don’t think I have ever felt it so powerfully before. Praise today, as my prodigal son is home and attended church with our family today. Prayers to you for your continued safety and your ability to reach out and touch people! Karen Smith
Love reading these update! Praying for you! I cannot wait for more stories! Keep spreading love and enjoy every moment! 🙂