So, I leave today at 5pm out of JFK and I can’t believe the day is already here. I wanted to do a little update on the past few weeks since I last blogged of all the miracles God did to lead me up to this point. The past month has been filled with goodbyes, reunions and answered prayer. I had the chance to visit some of my best friends from the race which was so encouraging. I went to San Francisco to visit my friend Lindsay who has become one of my greatest gifts from this trip. We had such a great time encouraging each other and praying for our upcoming needs. It was awesome to be in such a beautiful city one last time before I left.
Lindsay in San Fran-Late June
In the next couple weeks I had my volleyball fundraiser in Hermosa Beach and it turned out better than expected. We had about 20 people show up and we had a blast. I raised a good amount of money that I was able to use towards my trip and I am so grateful to everyone that came and supported, love you!! 
Janet-my prayer warrior n friend
Prayin it up for our journey
Lindsay and Tamica came out to support!
These girls and I had some people pray for us before we left and I couldn’t have been more amazed. Our dear friend Matilde prayed for us and spoke encouragement into our lives which brought us to tears of joy. I have kept a journal of those prayers and keep them close to my heart. The last couple weeks in L.A. were a mix of sadness and joy. I loved being able to reconnect with people one last time and it really made my sendoff all the more beautiful.
My friend and supporter: Doug
I flew back to Flint, MI to be with my family and visit more friends before I left and that was so good. I had my friend Sarah take me to the airport on July 13th, to go home to my family. She actually picked me up at my car dealer because I had to return my leased car and I had actually made friends with the guy who leased it to me. Before I left the dealer, I felt the Lord say, you need to pray for him and without me saying anything on our way out of the lot, Sarah said, we should pray for him. So we literally turned around, went back in and asked if we could pray for him, he said yes and we blessed him that day. I continued to see God work even in the little things, and each day he confirmed it by a phone call, provision, answered prayer and support. He is soooo good!
I hadn’t seen my family in about 2 years and I was able to see how God is using this trip to bring my family together. My sweet brother David took me shopping to get some last minute needs, (so grateful for that). My mother took me around on errands everyday to see people and get my stuff done. My little brother Reeve took me to buy gear and gave me an ipod that was pretty special to him. My dad offered to help in so many ways and both my parents have been telling all their co-workers and friends about my trip. We were able to spend awesome times in prayer together and that made my trip so worth it. 
I had to say goodbye to my little dog Tikko and that was a pretty sad moment. He is going to be staying with my best-friend Lindsay and will bring her lots of joy. We had our last day together enjoying Northern Michigan going to their film fest and having a great time catching up.
Tikko n I
My best friend Lindsay-caring for Tikko and supporting me monthly…she’s too much!
From northern Michigan I headed to Chicago to say goodbye to more friends and spend time with one of my fellow racers, Emily. We had a great time and she helped me a ton packing and getting all the necessary gear.
Thanks EM! I also saw one of my oldest childhood friends and it was so awesome to reconnect with Jamil, he’s all grown up now, which is so awesome! It was like we picked up where we left off. 
I saw one of my sweetest friends, Ashley. She made my day there so great and I am thankful for her love and support.
Sharlie, Emily and I in Chicago!
I headed to New Hampshire to visit one of my friends from home and his family. It was a relaxing and beautiful time in New Hampshire. Preston and his wife Petra welcomed me in their home and we had a blast with two little ones. I also realized how each person from my life has had a specific purpose in my life and I couldn’t be more grateful for them!
After a couple days I headed to NY to spend my birthday with friends from the city, L.A. and from the team.
Tamica (fellow racer) came out on my bday to celebrate with me and we went all over the city, and probably walked about 100 blocks.
Ran into like 4 people from the trip on the street in the east village, how cool is that?
Some of the fam from my team and from the trip at dinner
Tres and Bambi from my team: Beautiful Feet
Rockin it out with Tamica on my bday!
I was able to meet with Dustin (friend from Highschool) and that was fabulous.
Spent time with Kristin from L.a. and her bf, Brian. Yay for that!
My last day I spent with friends from my school, the King’s College in the Empire State Building and saw Rebecca, my dear friend from L.a. I couldn’t have asked for a better trip. 
Our last night in the U.S.
Throughout these last few weeks I’ve seen God provide all my needs. I started a few months ago with no money, no support and no idea what was in store. Now I’m about $500 away from my 15, 300 goal, my personal expenses are covered for the year, I have all the gear I need and I am filled with love and appreciation for all that God has done in and through people during this support raising. I keep thinking if this is what its like before I leave, I can’t imagine what it will be like on the field. Thank you to all my amazing supporters! Without you and your prayers, I would not be leaving today! I’m so grateful for each interaction, prayers and love you shown me. I’m going for it today and God is going to do amazing things! Love you!!! Ireland bound today!
