Lauren Adam
Mission Year: The Who, What, Why.
Hi. My name is Lauren. I’m just a simple college student that wants to be a world changer, dream chaser, love giver, and door holder — living each day as it comes. I just completed my second year of college, but I keep feeling the longing to do something with my life and serve God’s creation. And Mission Year? Sounds like a great way to do that. But first, some fun facts about me.
1. I’m a Childhood Education major. I LOVE kids and they are my passion.
2. My favorite color is pink. With sparkles. Don’t joke.
3. If my dream of becoming a teacher falls through, I’ll settle on being a Disney princess.
4. I’m a huge Auburn football fan…as of two years ago. War Eagle!
5. Cupcakes make everything better.
6. I love being creative. Scrapbooking is right up my alley.
7. Seven is my favorite number.
8. This won’t be my first blog. I’ve actually blogged for quite awhile (Since September 2008). It’s kind of a hobby of mine. Check it out at www.laurenadam.com
9. I’m a cat person. Dogs frighten me a bit. And sometimes make me sneeze.
10. My life verse is Micah 6:8— “and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
So, that’s 10 fun facts about me! Now, on to why I decided to do this whole Mission Year thing. First, God told me to. I had been weighing this whole missions thing around in my head for a bit after I read a book called “Radical” by David Platt. It’s kind of a scary/challenging book. Meaning…it changed my life. My perspective. I came to realize that my plans aren’t always the same as God’s plans. Sometimes he has things that are so much bigger in store, if we just listen. After I realized that God was calling me to missions, I went to Google. I found many placed that I could serve- both here in America and internationally. But, I was drawn towards Mission Year. This was surprising, because initially I only wanted to spend six weeks away maximum. But then, I realized I needed to leave it up to God. I realized that I couldn’t put off applying for this opportunity. I could not put off missions until I graduated college, and I had to start now. I hope to gain a servant’s heart through this experience and I want to learn how to live in a community and put others’ needs above my own. I know that this will be a challenge, but I know that MY God can do anything and will make a way.
And now that I’ve written a novel (sorry, I’m long winded…), you should know who I am and why I’m doing Mission Year. I’m so excited about the upcoming year and the adventure that I’m going to experience. My God is SO great!
About Mission Year
Mission Year is a year long urban ministry program focused on Christian service and discipleship. We take teams of young people, place them in an area of need, and help them to serve people and create community. We are committed to the command of Jesus to “love God and love people,” by placing the needs of our neighbors first and developing committed disciples of Christ with a heart for the poor. Learn more about our first year program…
Lauren Adam's Blog
What They Can Teach Me / Jul 26, 11:05 PM
I currently teach a second grade Sunday School class every Sunday morning at my church. I love these kids. They bring light to my day, make me smile and laugh, and I have enjoyed teaching them for this last year. But, next Sunday is the end. Next Sunday is “Promotion Sunday” and they are moving up to become great big THIRD graders and I am moving to Chicago. Changes are in store. I’m going to miss them. I talked to them today about how I’m leaving to go to Mission Year and all, and I think they understood it.
This month, we have been learning about service. I didn’t pick it out, it’s in the curriculum we use. We have also been discussing this whole “Service” thing in “big people church”, too. Last Sunday, I got the opportunity to share with my congregation about what God is doing in my life and how he is leading me to Mission Year. I have a great and supportive church. If you want to hear it, you can go to http://www.laurenadam.com/2010/07/service.html and view a video. My mom was nice and recorded it for me. :)
One of the things I talked about was how when I started teaching Sunday School, I thought it was all about me. I mean, I taught the kids about God and all, but I thought it was going to be about me teaching them about the Bible, doing crafts, playing fun games, etc. But in the end, it’s actually been them doing the teaching. They have taught me so much. They have challenged me in my walk with God. I want to read my Bible more and learn more about God, because I know that they are going to ask me questions, and I want to have an answer. Also, they make me want to “practice what I’m preaching”. Our memory verse is Ephesians 6:7, “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.” How would I be able to teach my kids about this if I didn’t apply it to my personal life?
Mission Year is going to be a challenge. I know it. But, I am SO excited about what God is going to do. But this time, I’m not making it about me. I mean, I might get the opportunity to serve some people. But, in reality, it’s going to be about God using me as a vessel to spread his love. It’s about God. Not about me. It’s amazing what God can do in our lives if we just listen to him and serve his creation. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” I know that God has a plan for everything. He knows what is going to happen this year, even when I don’t. He is going to do amazing things, and I pretty sure that Chicago has a lot to teach me. :)
I'm Letting Go / Jul 17, 05:43 PM
I’m letting go of the life I planned for me and my dreams. I’m losing control of my destiny. It feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believe…so I’m letting go.
This is a giant leap of faith, trusting and trying to embrace the fear of the unknown, beyond my comfort zone. -Francesca Battistelli
This whole trusting God thing is a lot easier said than done. I get the feeling sometimes like I’ve figured it all out, like my race is complete and I am THERE. I’m ready for Mission Year. I’m ready to leave my home for an unknown destination. I’m ready to go work in a field that is a little outside my realm of comfort.
But then the doubt creeps in. And I wonder if it’s all going to work out. Am I going to raise the support (or better yet, will I ever be able to get past the “Dear Family and Friends” part of my support letter?)? And then I have to go through the process of dropping my Fall classes. And phoning Financial Aid to let them know I don’t need that scholarship. That I’m (well, God) changing my plans and taking a year off. I’m normally so responsible, and yet it feels like I’m jumping into a pit. There’s just so much I still don’t know. Am I ready to leave in two months (or, well, probably less)?
And then, I get back to where I was. I realize that God’s plans are the best plans. That he’s always there for me. That he provides. Even when I don’t know how it’s all going to work out, HE is THERE. I’m doing a Bible Study on Ruth right now, and God has shown me so much through this week. Like how he has a purpose for me, how he carves out my path, authors each stroke, and weaves my course into other people’s lives. He is putting me into a position where he can use me for HIS glory.
I came across this verse earlier this week that really encouraged me.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. -Galatians 6:9
God is doing so much good in my life right now. He has a plan and it will all work out. I’ve just got to let go, and let God lead.
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