Dear friends,
The adventure has officially begun. EEEEP!
Yes, I am sitting in the middle of the Atlanta airport with a couple hours to kill before I get picked up for the official start of Launch (which consists of a couple days of training and who knows what else before we depart on Tuesday for CAMBODIA!!!!) OH BABY.
This past month between training camp and launch has been a complete whirlwind. Events included my brothers unbelievably beautiful wedding, a wonderful family vacation with sweet laughs and great time with people I love a lot, and the last week was spent with some besties from UMW who moved down to Charlotte, NC to be faithful to their own calling and serve in the incredible ministry of Young Life. We caught up on this post-college life, we laughed like we used to in our sweet Birdhouse, and we cried as we grieved the loss of a beautiful season so we could welcome in what Christ has called us to as we leave our comforts behind in faithfulness.
The question of the hour is… “how are you feeling?” well, let me tell you friends,
I’m feeling everything!
My stomach has constant butterflies, I cry in joy and in sadness with goodbyes and with “see you in 11 months” hugs (they’re the best hugs for sure), I’m anxious/nervous as I wander into complete unknown with a ministry that I am incredibly passionate about. In all of this emotion –I have incredible peace. A peace that comes from this…
Through my walk with Christ, I’ve been challenged and made to grow in my faith in so many ways. I could not be more thankful for all the moments and experiences that I’ve had to be faithful in, the sweetest of times, and the times I’ve fallen and could only have gotten up with the sweet reach of our Father – all that has led me to today.
Today I feel the peace you feel when someone that cares deeply for you puts their hand on your shoulder – but this hand is the hand of the Holy Spirit, the one that has led the way all these years. The hand that will never let go even if I quit. – That is what I will be constantly seeking. That my time in these nations will be spent following and being bold with the comfort that we are all guaranteed – His peace and unending reach.
As I sit and people watch in the best of places (airports), I could not be more giddy to meet up with my incredible squad mates as we journey on together to the completely unexpected but perfectly planned adventure ahead.
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Friends, you have no idea how much it means to me that you take time to read my words and all the love you have sent my way in this time – thank you!!
Financially we are doing so well! With monthly supporters we only have around $3,000 left to raise!!! Jesus has been so faithful in providing and teaching me through fundraising this money. If you feel led join me by supporting me financially please head to “support me” – remember, with this money you are ministering to these people that my squad and I are about to encounter in leading them to witness and hear about the greatest love they could ever imagine.
farewell for now sweet people! stay tuned on Cambodia!!!
with lots of love,
ana maria.
