One Final Blog?

Today is supposed to be the last day of NET. Right now, we should be celebrating at the NET Center with all the other missionaries and teams and parents at an event called Wrap-Up Week. It would've definitely been the saddest day of my life, mainly because I would have to say goodbye to my teammates and close friends that I have made over these past 9 months. So, I guess quarantine takes away that pain. But I would do almost anything to be together again with all the missionaries, sharing stories and giving hugs and praising the Lord one last time with this special group.

This year was no doubt the greatest year of my life. There is a saying on NET that goes, "There's Nothing Like NET", and it cannot be more true. I was able to live out my dreams through ministry, where my team and I led 93 retreats for 4,400 middle schoolers and high schoolers across 9 states in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the US. I met some of the most amazing people and went to the most amazing places along the way, and living the dream was a true blessing. Every morning for personal prayer, I would reflect on everything that happened the day before, and would thank God for these moments. Now, reading back on them and being reminded of these memories is truly a gift. I even kept track of all my host families names, small group members, and anyone else we met throughout the year, so now I can pray for them. Going back to host families, I was able to attain contact information of some of the host families this year, and was able to update them on ministry, and still talk to them every now and then, which is one of the greatest blessings of this year.

Not only was I living out my dreams, but I was able to share them with my team, ten of the greatest people I have ever met, who I have already spotlighted in the past ten posts. Sarah Beaver, Roni Walton, Aimee Rangel, Monica Brown, Ellie Lehto, Moriah Michieli, Nels Mork, Adam Thooft, Evan Mock and Jakob Kachirisky-Reyes. Team 11. Heaven's Eleven. They are all true men and women of God who strive for holiness daily. I am grateful to be able to build relationships with these people on my team, which quickly turned into my family. Even now, two months later being off the road, I still keep in touch with every member, and we still occasionally talk together as a group, getting on impromptu Google Hangout calls and planning on having a game night the day after this comes out. I am grateful to have the chance to share my life with these individuals, and I have so much love for them.

More than that, all the 2019-2020 NET missionaries were spectacular. They all strive for greatness, especially after this year, and they are easily some of the most fascinating human beings you will ever meet. I was able to create so many bonds and friendships outside of my team during training that I hope to attain moving forward. If you ever meet a NET missionary, outside of just my year, I advise you to befriend them, you will not regret it.

Finally, I want to thank you, the reader. You are the reason why I created this blog, and although often times messy and hard to read, you stuck through, and for this I am grateful. So thank you for motivating me to always remember my roots.

Now, you may be thinking, "Isaiah, after you have lived out your dreams, what's next?" Well, many of you may know already, but the dream is not over quite yet. I am excited to announce I am serving a second year as a NET missionary! I will be traveling once again in a van, living out of just a suitcase, a backpack, and a sleeping bag, sharing the Good News of the Lord to middle schoolers and high schoolers in the great USA. This time, with a new team, likely in a new area of America, with new challenges, roles, and stories ahead of me. Now, there is alot of uncertainty at the moment due to COVID-19, but the plan is to return to Minnesota in August for another 5-6 weeks of training at the NET Center, then hit the road again in September. Please pray that God's Will allows this to happen.

With that, I must fundraise money to do another year of NET. The goal is $6,000 before August training, but personally I believe we can hit $10,000. If you would like to partner with me for my second year, go to https://mission.netusa.org/giving/ministry-partnership-development to make either a one-time gift or a pledge, and under, "I'd like to join the mission of (missionary name)", please write "Isaiah Morales '20-21" to ensure your donation goes to my fund. You can donate at any time, especially if you are not financially able to currently, anything helps.

Furthermore, another year means another blog! I have already created a website for my second year, where I will update you on all my adventures for year two! Go to https://steelcat723.wixsite.com/yeartwo and save this link, and continue to check in throughout the next school year.

Thank you for all your love and support, and I cannot wait for what Part 2 has in store for us!

God Bless and All My Love,

Reuben Isaiah Morales