I knew when the time was right - not too early, not too late - Girl Catch Fire would hire an operations manager: Someone who could catch the vision, sort it out and action it in fun and innovative ways. Even when I was first starting the company, KJ’s name was on my dream list.
Well, the time is right and KJ is now officially on board at Girl Catch Fire.
Read MoreFirst, the most consistent pain we observe among the people we work with, is the crushing loneliness and loss they experience after leaving the field. “I miss my community” is the most frequent comment we hear.
The second thing is, when people have to choose between rent and a debriefing retreat, they choose rent. Financial pressure is a thing. We get it.
So we’re changing our model…
Read MoreIt's not unusual to feel like a better, freer version of yourself here; skipping down the street with a local friend, who has invited you to eat with her family, hopping over puddles because you have two more miles to walk and you don't want to get your shoes wet.
There is easy togetherness that occurs in cultures that place high value on human relationships. We respond to that because humans were designed to be together, but in the US, it's like we've found ways to make that as inorganic and difficult as possible.
It takes discipline to believe you are complete, loved, clean and royal. It's a choice that will make you look weird because the world doesn't think like that, and it will shame you for attempting to live like you do.
But do it anyway, and watch your life change.
That's why I don't care anymore if people think I say weird things in conversation. It's fine. I do. If you are a follower of Jesus and you tell me you are racked with guilt, I'm going to ask some questions about that.
Read MoreNeglecting this stuff, which many global workers do in an effort to "get back to normal," is worse than just a waste, it can become a problem. Most global workers know they could use some supported time out, but the truth is, they often can't afford it.
That's why we started the Intermissionary Scholarship Fund.
Read MoreSo how do I maintain a sense of community back in the real world" my friend asked.
"You do this," I replied. "Make food, set it on a table and invite people over to eat it. While you're at it, ask a few good questions about things that matter and listen to the answer."
And don't forget to remember Him.
Read MoreThe Apostle Paul told the Romans that the invisible nature of God was discernible to us in and through the things He created. Like mountains, green meadows, waterfalls and forests.
So if you are trying to reset your connection to God, or understand who He is in the first place, why not head somewhere like Chamonix, France like 18 of us are for the next two weeks?
Read MoreI say all this because the first ever Intermissionary Retreat begins in Chamonix, France ten days from now. Follow the fun on Insta!
We are creating a space where those deep river, right-brain moments can occur; where the survival mind can chill, allowing the big fish to rise and hit our lines. Shocking the filament all the way to our hands. I need this in my life. I need mountains and rivers to help me be quiet because, in my experience, God simply won't compete with the noise in my life. The problem is: I'm not always in the mountains. That's why I'm getting serious about yoga and meditation.
Read MoreAs a company, Girl Catch Fire believes that the freedom and power of the resurrected Christ is alive on the inside of us and you; so we behave accordingly, doing awesome and unexpected things everywhere we go.
That now includes live music at Red Rocks in September with Intermissionary Retreats.
Read MoreYou might not understand why a trip to Walmart makes your missionary a little sick. You probably won't understand why they are crying so much, especially since they are FINALLY reunited with their family and friends. It might confuse you when they stop mid-sentence and quit trying to explain something.
Hang in there with them. Help them by curiously and gently asking things like:
What's upsetting about that for you?
How did that make you feel?
That seems super important to you. Can you help me understand why?
What was that like?
Read More
