I should absolutely be in bed right now, but I knew I needed to blog to fully process how I'm feeling right now.
As I look at my freshly packed big pack and day pack, I am overcome with how absolutely blessed I am. I have been redeemed by Jesus Christ and I get the insane privilege of taking His name and love to 11 different countries. Most people will never see what I see and experience what I experience in this coming year. I haven't stopped and processed what a blessing that is until today. I have been caught up in the stress of fundraising or training camp or packing or goodbyes and have yet to really see this coming year as a blessing. That sounds ridiculous and I know I've said "I'm so excited about the World Race" to countless people, but I don't know if I really have been until this moment.
I've had to say many hard goodbyes to so many incredible people that have blessed my life more than I can even begin to describe in 10,000 blog posts, but each hug reminded me of how absolutely amazing God is. He brought each one of these people in my life for who knows what reason, but my life has been drastically changed from the moment each one stepped into my life. Things may be different when I get back from the Race. Actually, things will definitely be different when I get back from the Race, but that will never change the memories and how my life has been full of this most incredible people. I know that God guided all of our steps to know each other and I know He will guide us in the same way this year!
I mainly want to thank every single person that has prayed for me, given donations, written letters or simply encouraged me in ths journey. I would not be able to go if you had not been obedient to what God calls you to. I have had to buy so much gear and have had to get many shots and I absolutely could not have done that if you had not given. I would not have been able to reach my financial deadlines if you had not given and literally wouldn't be able to go even if I tried. I seriously can't thank you enough and you have been an instrument that God has used to perform a miracle in my life. Thank you for being a part of this with me and walking beside me as I step into this journey. I pray that you are blessed by my journey and that God shows you who He is in a newer and greater way.
Tomorrow morning is when it all begins. I will hug my sweet puppies and drive away from all that I know for 11 months. I have no idea what this year holds, but for the first time, that excites me. That allows me to grow and change and become more of the woman that the Lord has made me to be! I pray that the girl typing this blog post is transformed by this step of faith and obedience. Through every moment, I pray that Jesus is made known to me in a greater way and I live to make His name famous.
Thank you for being a part of this journey with me! I will blog often and honestly and I can't wait to share my joys, struggles, triumphs, and sorrows with you. It's sure to be one life changing adventure, and I am honored to have you beside. Let's do this!
