As I write this blog I find myself sitting on a Megabus headed from Orlando to Atlanta. I am 4 hours into a 9 hour bus ride. In between watching Lord of the Rings and reading World Race blogs on the spotty internet connection, I find myself having the realization that I only have four days till I leave for Launch.
WHAT!!!
So I thought I would let you all know what I have been up to these past couple of weeks. I have had many people ask me how preparations were going and how I was handling leaving my family and friends. Well, I have to say these last few weeks have been quite a roller coaster filled with working summer camp, a dear friends wedding, and lots of tearful goodbyes.
Logistically speaking, I just about have everything together and ready to go. I just have to pick up a few things like Benadryl and Advil. I did a practice run of packing and my big pack came out to around 30 pounds, which is ideal. Since then I have only picked up a few more things so it should still be pretty light when I leave on the 4th. (Just to clarify, I am leaving for launch on the 4th. Launch is a time when my squad gets together in Atlanta for a couple more days of training. I will actually be leaving for Romania a couple days later. I am not sure of the specific date yet.)
Saying goodbye to everyone has been really hard. In the long run 11 months is not long time, but when I start to think about all of the life events I will be missing it seems like eternity. It is really easy to let fear and sadness take over all of my thoughts. Fear can and will paralyze you if you let it. As soon as I take my thoughts off of God and his will for my life I find myself fearful of the future.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7
I am learning more and more that joy and contentment are a choice. I have chosen to focus on God's promises these last few days and it has given me joy over this next phase of my life. I know God is going to do great things these next 11 months and I am so grateful and excited to share it with you. Please be in prayer for me, my team, and my family as this new adventure starts.
Fundraising Update
My account is currently at $8,014, which means I have just over 50% of my support raised! Thank you to everyone who has donated thus far! God is blowing my mind with your generosity! My next deadline is $11,000 which is due by October 1st.
