Hey everybody,
I know this is a little random but I’ve got a couple big things to announce. I really appreciate having a group of friends who keep up to date on my plans and the direction God is taking my life, even though I feel sometimes like I'm constantly pestering you.
First thing I want to announce is that as of March 8th I am a married woman. During my first year of Chazak I developed a close relationship with a fellow cadet named Clair. After completing our first year of training, we were talking and felt that we had developed deeper feelings for eachother. And now he’s my husband. I am super excited to start this new adventure and this section of my life with him.
Now, just because I got married not all of my plans changed drastically. I am still planning on continuing with Chazak and finishing the program. As you may remember, too few class 3 cadets graduated the first year so those of us who did had to take a gap year and join class 4 for the second year. I’ve attended two trainings with class 4 this year where we got to know eachother and got used to working together. The first training was in mid April and we did a segment on resource management. It was mostly classroom time which is not my favorite, but was very informative. The second one was “Ropes Operator and Ropes Tech.” That one was very hands on, practical and fun; I really enjoyed it.
On top of attending trainings with class 4 I have been diligent in keeping my year one skills sharp. I am 90% sure that I am choosing the Ropes Tech specialty. With that in mind, I have been working on my ropes skills: setting up systems, rappelling, and my newest development, teaching Ermy (my dog) to climb and rappel with me! I am also focusing on my medical training, physical training, and last but most certainly not least, spiritual growth.
That being said, here comes the big announcement. About a week ago, I received a call from one of my instructors in Chazak who told me that because I had recently gotten married some of the staff believed that I should take an additional year off and join class 5. He then informed me it was more than a recommendation and joining class 4 was no longer an option. It took me a while to come to terms with that information and I was quite discouraged and frustrated. I spoke to my husband and we processed through it, prayed about it and came to the decision to meet with the staff to discuss things further and offer an alternative perspective. Our plan was to remain open minded and respectful of Chazak leadership but also explain our reasoning for me finishing this year with team 4. Clair and I are a unique couple and actually feel like me completing the Chazak training this year while he works to help support me through it would be helpful to our marriage. The Chazak leadership are coming from a Mennonite background and tend to take more traditional stances on issues like marriage roles. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ, however, and so we are trusting God to accomplish His will, guide the decisions and give us peace with whatever the outcome. I would really appreciate it if you guys would keep my husband and I in your thoughts and prayers as we wait for their final decision. After a follow up discussion between staff, my husband and I, Chazak told us they will re-discuss the matter and give us their verdict Saturday night. Please pray God helps us to see His will in all of this. Thank you all so much! I am really encouraged by the knowledge that I have so many prayer warriors who I can rely on to lift me up. I did not foresee this kind of disagreement with my leadership and knowing you guys are praying for me lifts my spirit.
So, last bit of business. Borderlands International is suspending all activity for a season. In the future donations through Borderlands will no longer be an option. However you will be able to donate towards my training though Chazak, or you can send the money directly to me via PayPal.
Now that we have that finished with, my plans for the future are as such: I have met with Chazak staff and am waiting on their response. I hope to rejoin at the end of the year, but I could potentially join at the end of next year. Whatever the outcome I will continue practicing my skills, learning new skills, training physically, working, saving and pursuing whatever path God has for me. Honestly, I really hope to continue Chazak this year, but I know God will provide an opportunity no matter what and I am super excited for what's next! I appreciate all of your support. It has meant the world to me and I couldn't have done any of this without you.
I will give you guys an update once I hear back from Chazak about their final decision. After that I don't plan on doing monthly updates until my training starts up again, but I’ll update you on major events. I pray all is well with you and that you have an amazing week.
Much love, your friend,
Mila