11 months without hot showers, 11 months without an actual bed, 11 months without home cooked meals, 11 months without cell phone service, 11 months without a closet! 11 months without the typical American lifestyle…
Yet, I am not nervous to go 11 months without any of these things. Yeah, its going to be difficult and scary and I’m probably going to wish I did bring a pillow pet at some point. But I’m not nervous for any of that. What I have been nervous for, however, is 11 months without seeing or hugging friends and family…
Today, a going away party was thrown for me. Friends and family gathered for food and drinks at my parents house for one more get together before I take off. And not only was I showered with tearful goodbyes and well wishes, but I was flooded with gifts. And I mean flooded. Wait, what? I just wanted to see everyone I love so that I could say goodbye. I just wanted one last hug from my best friend before I don’t get to see her for 11 months! I wanted to embrace her and never let go. I wanted to have lunch outside and laugh with the people I love, one. last. time.
And I got that, but I also got so much more! The Lord blessed this afternoon. The forecast called for rain, but it was gorgeous! It was so gorgeous I couldn’t stop smiling about it, well that and because we leave so soon! I was blessed with being able to see people that I didn’t think I was going to be able to say goodbye to before I leave. I was blessed with numerous cards and gifts. Boxes and bags filled with the most thoughtful things (including glow sticks for our late night dance parties). Cards filled with the sweetest words of love. Cards that I, unashamedly, will probably bring with me around the world because they meant so much to me and were so encouraging. And monetary donations, you guys! I just wanted to hug you all and laugh with you before I leave, that’s all I wanted! But the love that I received today went completely beyond my expectations. Nearly $900 was donated to me this afternoon! What! $900! I cannot thank you enough for the generosity and support through all of this
I am so in awe of the way The Lord is blessing me right now. And yeah, I’m going to miss each and every one of you this year, but I’m going on this adventure with The Lord! He provides, but He also goes well beyond just providing and well beyond what we expect! I am so thankful for being blessed with this going away party. And I am so excited to see where He is guiding me and my squad this year!
So thank you! Thank you for coming and laughing with me this afternoon. Thank you for embracing me so tightly because it has to last 11 months! Thank you for your love and for your sweet encouraging words. Thank you for believing in what I’m doing.
Its going to be a beautiful year.
