From Egypt to Michigan

Back in February my squad was in Kyrgyzstan teaching English and adjusting to being overseas again. Several people on my team had been talking about what their plans were after this trip, but I was completely content not thinking about that yet. The Lord has been teaching me how to release control and be okay without a step by step plan. I knew I had time to wait and see what He had. But not long after that conversation, the Lord brought something to my attention.

I was on a rare scroll through Facebook and came across a job listing on our World Race alumni page. It described a summer job working at a cafe on Mackinac Island. I immediately felt the Lord telling me to reach out to the contact and check it out. So I did.

Through many email conversations and a video chat, I committed to spend my summer working at the cafe. And that’s where I am writing this blog from now!

I moved to Mackinac Island at the beginning of June, fresh off the mission field of Egypt. I spent a week at home in-between, then I drove out here, caught the ferry over, and stepped into my next season. I live with an amazing Christian couple who have spent their summers here for 30 years. They have a basement apartment that I get to call mine for the 2.5 months that I’m here. And I work at Watercolor Cafe owned by their daughter. 

I split my time between working and serving with local ministries. It’s a beautiful blend of work and ministry. During the week I help with various activities geared toward connecting with the summer workers. People from all over the world come here to work for the summer. I’ve met many people from Kazakhstan, Russia, Mexico, Guatemala, Jamaica, and more. It feels like being out in the nations while still being home.

Local believers from the churches here come together to care for the summer workers. Monday nights we hold an event where we play games, Bingo, or do trivia, and of course food is involved. Every Wednesday a different restaurant on the island donates a free meal for the island workers so I help serve that. Then on Friday nights one of the pastors and his wife open their home to offer another free meal to workers. The goal is to provide free food and a place for the workers to get to know each other as well as local believers. 

This week I also helped with a Vacation Bible School teaching the 9-14 age group. I was able to share about my time on the mission field and the importance of having a relationship with God. It was weird being back teaching kids again after spending so much time with adults.

Through these events and activities I’ve been able to share the love of God and be active in my giftings. It’s been a sweet season, but also a very hard one. There are times I feel lonely and isolated. I’ve been privileged to live in good Christian communities for most of my life, so this is the first time I have had to actively work at making friends and building connections. But I am meeting many incredible people at work and around the island.

There have been days filled with joy, and days where the weight of the world feels like it’s been on my shoulders. God has been faithful to remind me of my identity, that I’m loved for who I am, not for what I can do for Him. And He has been answering my prayer for fellow believers to hang around with. The people from the churches here have been taking good care of me, praying over me, and encouraging me. I see God’s hand so clearly in having me here. 

Please join me in prayer over the people on Mackinac Island. God is moving and lives are changing! Pray for open hearts and ears that are ready to hear. For the ministries here and the people who do this year after year.  Also pray for me to feel His comfort and companionship. And a praise/continued prayer request for community here. 

And if you have any questions about life on Mackinac Island please ask! This is such a cool, unique place. I LOVE it here! If you’ve been here you know what I’m talking about. And if you haven’t been yet, plan a trip. I have lots of recommendations.