Monday, November 15, 2010

The season of waiting..

For the last year, I have lived in Camas, Washington. I invested time building a community of a house and building relationship with the kids I do YoungLife with. I have been called to camas, for such a time as this, yes and I've been thankful for it. Camas has been my own little oasis, my home away from what I've known as home. I've been disconnected from the civilization of Portland and I knew that if I went back early, it would be like going back into the desert that would only dry my soul.

So I've been obedient. I wasn't going to leave until I was released. I wasn't sure how that would all work out, the process of being released...until a week ago.

Now the back story before I get into the present story. I have hated Portland my whole life. It was the place I grew up, the place I have the worst memories of, it was the place I left when I could but it was also the place I came back to and missed when I left. About two months ago, I was at Solid Rock Church and heard a sermon on callings, dreams and desires. John Mark said, "If you want to see change in the government, move to Washington DC, grow your kids up there and change the government. If you want to see change in the film industry, move to LA, grow your family there and change the inudstry." So I was hit by a thought, 'What am I really passionate about? What do I want to see change?'....Prostitution, sex trafficking....Portland was just deemed 'Pornland' because it was ranking higher than Las Vegas in child sex trafficking. I looked around the congregation at Solid Rock and words were spoken over me. "Jenna, you are called to the very place you hate, the very place you will face your fears."

And it will become family.

So in the last two months, graduating nursing school, more opportunities have come up to be able to see change in this city, in this gnarley industry of trafficking.

Last week, having an incredible conversation with my housemate, one of my best friends and my area director for YoungLife, Erin. There came a conclusion that it was time for me to go back to Portland. My heart is there and my passion for the lost is different than YoungLife....far different. So Portland it is, the new adventure starting in January I'm praying for. I have no idea what to expect; where to begin but I have peace.

It's just right.

3 comments:

  1. How exciting Jenna! I am (very selfishly) happy that you're coming back :) You need to come over sometime!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Most people choose to ignore problems like this. Not everyone has the heart that you have to even make this choice. I'm very proud to call you my friend. I am looking forward to reading the positive stories about the good work that you're doing. It's probably going to be far from easy, but you just keep going, you keep trying, you make a difference.

    Love always,
    Marty

    ReplyDelete