Dear 19 year old me.
Today you’re here. You’re doing the thing. You carry light and life with you wherever you are at. Your banner is love and you get to share joy across the world. Did you ever think you would be here? Looking back to when I was in your shoes I for sure didn’t.
19 was the year from Hell. Not many good things came out of that year, I mean I bought a fish that was cool. Shout out to Alphie for listening to me cry, rant, and just sit with me during the crappy days. Actually that is a lie, looking back, great things happened, but sitting in the hard stuff really clouds your perspectives on everything else.
We’ve been doing life for a solid five years since this time. But there really aren’t many days where I don’t think about or remember something from this time. I think it’s because it did me a solid & shaped me into the woman I am today, and for that I am grateful.
On the flip side, there weren’t many days five years ago that I could comprehend a life beyond the day I was living. I had plans, but no desire to bring those to fruition. I was resentful, anxious, and bitter. That crushes me 5 years later that I couldn’t see the good & was unable to just receive the love, peace, and healing that Papa was offering me for free.
Looking back at who you were five years ago, there was no light in your eyes, and certainly no joy. While that really is sucky to see, I am thankful for it. It sent you on a five year journey of cultivating joy into your everyday life. Every year I see more and more growth and portions of trust that you give back to Papa.
I am proud of you. You pushed through. Never in your wildest dreams would you have imagined yourself sitting in Myanmar writing this. That was the year you learned about the World Race. But you didn’t think you could ever do it. You felt like you were too much of a mess. And if I’m honest with you, you were a mess, but who isn’t?
But here you are… in Myanmar… on the race… doing the thing you’ve always dreamed of. You get to share this part of your story. You get to share the grace and growth you experienced. You get to speak life into yourself and others. You get to share the abundance of joy that the Spirit gives you.
We are still working on it. We don’t do anything perfect, and that is ok. Perfection is not the goal. We are progressing and growing into the woman that Papa created us to be. Yesterday at dinner with Jon and Keight, they asked me if I ever thought 5 years ago I would be here & honestly, no, I didn’t think I ever would. But how amazing is our Papa to keep pursuing us and pushing us towards who He knows we will be. He is too good.
So 19 year old me… keep pushing forward. Keep running after your dreams. Keep finding the good in each day. Keep choosing joy. Your 24 year old self will thank you immensely for it.
Sincerely,
Your 24 year old self.
Thank you for sharing your heart. You have come a long way his year, not just since you were 19. Keep growing and you will be amazed at what God can do.
I remember you at 19. And 18,17,16,15,14,13,12,11 and on and on. I was a student of Kristin June. I studied you daily for all 23.5 years of your life. And you are EXACTLY where I envisioned you would one day be. There was a season about a year ago where I questioned if God would take you there but those questions were answered with that $1000 check that stranger handed you!! You have always been extremely head strong. Since before birth you were more headstrong than even me!! And I knew that God had a big purpose for you because He created you so unique in your gifts, your perception, your shyness, yet boldness!
I say I knew you for 23.5 years because the woman you are right now I have yet to explore. But I am so excited to get to know the woman you are now because I have so much to learn from you! I’m anxious to be your student again. Anxious to see Gods plan unfold for Kristin Elizabeth June!! You have never ceased to surprise me??
Awww shucks, guys! These could be the sweetest mother/daughter letters I’ve seen. You guys are making me tear up.
God bless you. He is doing amazing things in your life.
I love love love love love this!!! To see where you have come from at the beginning of the race to now is such a blessing. It’s such a blessing to be your friend. I can’t imagine you any different at nineteen but I know I was right there with you so I get it! I’m blessed to know you now! And i can’t wait to continue watching you grow with the Lord and as my friend!
Kristin, you continue to amaze me each time you share so openly from your heart. God has truly had His hand on you since before you were born and can’t wait to see what He has planned for the next chapter in your life!
Kathy, were it not for you and Doug’s love and passion for missions, along of course with your unconditional love for Kristin, she would not be where she is today! To God be the glory! Great things He has done!