The End... What's Next?

It's been almost a month since I left the road and NET Ministries. I have dived right back into home life here in Federal Way, as I have been working as a Merchandiser for a Kombucha Company the past few weeks now. It's a summer job I continue to return to, and I absolutely love it. It requires me to talk to a lot of grocery store managers and random people, which has become much easier after two years of NET. Something I grew in over my second year that I did not recognize until after the road was my improved confidence in speaking to others, which makes a lot of sense.

Being home has had its ups and downs. I love being back with my family, they are such a gift, and seeing my friends have been really good. Yet, the lack of sacraments is the hardest part. Daily Mass is hard to find near me, especially with my work schedule, and I haven't been to confession since late April. I miss that a lot, along with accountable community. Yet, it has allowed me to commit to a deeper prayer life, building my relationship with Christ, along with other good habits that I built on the road. The Lord continues to provide in my life, there is no doubt about it.

I still think about team daily, both of my NET Teams quite frankly, as I continue to pray and check in with them as much as possible. You can already see teammates spread their wings and live their life to the fullest, which is so freaking awesome. I am so grateful to have done the ministry I did with these people.

I came into NET hoping to give of myself to others, and share the love of Christ with the world. I ended up doing that, but receiving so much more. I found community all across the country, I created a relationship with Jesus Christ as my mentor and friend, I learned so much about theology, and I grew in myself, learning what it means to be a Man of God and how I can continue living out this lifestyle. Two years of intense formation was exactly what I needed to equip myself in this life, and learn what it takes to get to the next. For that, thank you NET Ministries for the opportunity to do what I have done these past two years. And thank you Jesus for the opportunity of life to serve you.

Now, you may be wondering what is next for me. Well, I am excited to announce that I am heading off to college! I will be attending Ave Maria University down in Florida this upcoming fall semester. If you recall, Team 9 visited the school back in November, and I fell in love with it, along with the community down in Naples, and many signs showed up in my time down there to look into Ave as an after-NET option. I applied over Christmas Break, got accepted in January, then found peace in this decision while in a praise and worship session in South Carolina. God was calling me to at least one more year of personal formation and strong Catholic community, and wants to provide that for me at Ave. I am unsure what I will be majoring in, and honestly unsure if I will be there for four years. But that is where I am called to be next year, and I cannot wait to ditch Seattle rain for the Gulf Coast beaches.

Thank you all for your support on this blog and in my life. Know of my constant prayers for you as we all continue to live our lives. Hope to see you all very soon.

In Christ, with all my love,

Isaiah Morales