Hey!
Its been awhile, and I have no excuse but sheer procrastination and the fact that if I told you I was leaving then it would become more of a reality than I might be ready for. But here we go….I AM officially leaving on September 13, 2010 for the next 11-months. My plane takes off in route to the Philippines from LAX. So, being the road trip family that we are, we decided to fly/drive there. We actually have already started the trip, saying my good-byes to good-ole Ocala, Florida last Wednesday and flying to our first destination – Las Cruces, NM. This is where my Grandma Myers (My dad’s mom) lives. We were able to spend a few days here, one of which we spent driving to Silver City, about two hours away, to buy her favorite bread from this amazing bakery. I have to say that this whole I am going to be gone for 11-months so I am eating all my favorites with no self-control is made me gain approximately 50 lbs, which does not work well with all the clothes I have already packed.
But anywho, after our jaunt to NM we went through the mountains and up to Abilene, Texas where my other set of grandparents live and also my sweet granny. I was able to speak to their church who has already been huge supporters and they welcomed me with open arms. I just planned on thanking them for everything they had done, but God had other plans, because before church had ended I had checks and money flowing out of my purse as gifts of support! PRAISE THE LORD!
Yesterday, we again packed up our things, loaded the rental car, waved good-bye and set out again for the open road. Our goal was to get half way to California. After a long 15 hour car ride, we finally made it to some place in Arizona. We stayed the night and than woke up again this morning to finish the treck to Cali. After visiting a Ghost Town, getting lost in search of a fresh fruit market, and several discussions on whether the crops were maize or corn we made it to Visalia, California right outside of the Sequoia National Forest which is where we will spend all day tomorrow.
The last few weeks have been a whirl wind of emotions from overwhelming excitement to tear welling fear. But I am continually reminded that this is definitely the plan that God has for my life. This last week before I leave I am sure I will be even more of a wreck than before and will need all your prayers. I thought it would be good to provide you with some specific prayers as I prepare to go….so here it is in no particular order:
– That God will prepare my heart for what He plans on teaching me over the next year, that He opens it
– For my team, individually and as a unit. (Financially, Spiritually, Emotionally)
– For our families and friends that they will be comforted by the fact that God has called us to do this, and also for those that do not understand, that God would use this opportunity to reach them
– For my bag, that even though it weighs more than it needs to that God would remarkably change the poundage hahha (that was more of a personal prayer!)
– To take away all fears that are in me about the trip
– For strength to be able to take the steps onto the plane.
– For God to open the hearts of all we come into contact with even now in America.
– That God will prepare the way for us, as Team Shabach!
Ok, I am sure there is more as I think of them but that is all I can think of for right now! I have a skype now and I would love to talk to everyone it is cmhoffma123.
LOVE YOU ALL!!
Chelsea
