It is with an array of emotions, that I write to tell you all that I am transitioning out of Tierra Nueva. These past six years at TN have been some incredible years of growth, challenges, tears, laughter, deep communion and encounter with God, and rich times with a beautiful and diverse community. I am truly a changed person and deeply grateful for this experience. By the grace and power of God I have also impacted and loved well those whom God has brought in front of me.
Besides Family Support Center, Jail Chaplaincy, and TN Leadership team responsibilities which I have previously described, I walked alongside people facing a variety of challenges, enjoyed many a meal in people’s homes, started coalitions to address the local sex trafficking reality, planned numerous community events, presented more than 50 times on Human Trafficking and the Face of Immigration, attended countless community meetings, and in the beginning years, worked at 3 other social work jobs while finishing grad school.
It’s been an incredibly full, life-giving, as well as intense 6 years!
I have been saying that ‘at some point I need to take a break from advocacy work’, perhaps a Sabbatical from ministry after 6 years. In India I had a break from being in ‘direct service’ with people in crisis. It was relieving and yet definitely not relief. Being in India, let alone living in a slum and connecting with organizations in Kolkata’s red-light district is not exactly restful.
Besides Family Support Center, Jail Chaplaincy, and TN Leadership team responsibilities which I have previously described, I walked alongside people facing a variety of challenges, enjoyed many a meal in people’s homes, started coalitions to address the local sex trafficking reality, planned numerous community events, presented more than 50 times on Human Trafficking and the Face of Immigration, attended countless community meetings, and in the beginning years, worked at 3 other social work jobs while finishing grad school.
It’s been an incredibly full, life-giving, as well as intense 6 years!
I have been saying that ‘at some point I need to take a break from advocacy work’, perhaps a Sabbatical from ministry after 6 years. In India I had a break from being in ‘direct service’ with people in crisis. It was relieving and yet definitely not relief. Being in India, let alone living in a slum and connecting with organizations in Kolkata’s red-light district is not exactly restful.
Although I’ve returned to similar work in Skagit Valley, I am aware that I need the longer break I’ve been talking about.
Also, as Kenny and I get married in September, we will be entering into a new season of life together. Now we get to discern together what God is inviting us into—and where! This is very exciting! We are thrilled about joining our lives and listening to God together.
Also, as Kenny and I get married in September, we will be entering into a new season of life together. Now we get to discern together what God is inviting us into—and where! This is very exciting! We are thrilled about joining our lives and listening to God together.
We also recognize that both of us have been immersed in complex ministries. We feel that it is important to take some time after we get married for rest and renewal, starting our marriage with good foundation, visiting some other contexts and organizations, and discerning together where God is leading us. As we step away from our contexts, we are hoping to gain perspective on what was and what could be; discern the task, place, community, people, and organization to which we can both say a full yes and commit. That might be Tierra Nueva. It might be Servants. It might be something else. We are not sure—but we are okay with the uncertainty!
As a result, I am transitioning out of Tierra Nueva in the middle of August for a year of rest, training, and discernment. We will get married September 13th, go on a honeymoon, and then come back to pack up and help with the first session of TN’s Certificate in Transformational Ministry course. After the course, we will spend the fall with our families and friends around the US, resting at my parents cabin, as well as receiving prayer and ministry time. Come January we are planning to go to Central America. We hope to go to Oaxaca, Mexico to visit some people I know who’ve been deported, spend time in Guatemala to do language school and get to know Inner Change (similar to Servants), visit TN Honduras, as well as a Nicaraguan family I’ve known for 10 years. We sense God encouraging us (two planners!) to not plan out every detail, but keep our hands open. We welcome your discernment with us!
As a result, I am transitioning out of Tierra Nueva in the middle of August for a year of rest, training, and discernment. We will get married September 13th, go on a honeymoon, and then come back to pack up and help with the first session of TN’s Certificate in Transformational Ministry course. After the course, we will spend the fall with our families and friends around the US, resting at my parents cabin, as well as receiving prayer and ministry time. Come January we are planning to go to Central America. We hope to go to Oaxaca, Mexico to visit some people I know who’ve been deported, spend time in Guatemala to do language school and get to know Inner Change (similar to Servants), visit TN Honduras, as well as a Nicaraguan family I’ve known for 10 years. We sense God encouraging us (two planners!) to not plan out every detail, but keep our hands open. We welcome your discernment with us!
In recognition of the importance of this season, Tierra Nueva leadership has agreed for me to continue receiving financial support for 6 months after I transition out in August. If you feel inclined to support us in this season, we welcome your support financially and as always through prayer! We look forward to seeing how God leads us and will keep you posted! Thank you for journeying with me through my time at Tierra Nueva.
