So. . . I’m leaving.
For basically a year.
That’s a really long time.
. . . My squad wouldn’t really notice if I stayed home and hid under the covers instead of going to launch with them, would they?
I mean. . . a year is basically forever. . . and then some.
Hey Jesus. . . do I still have to go? Cause I mean, life is pretty ok here and I happen to like my comfy bed and being with my friends and having control of things.
“GO.”
Ok ok ok, yea yea I know, I’m going.
^^^^That is pretty much all that has been going through my head for the last week or so.
Many of you know that I was struggling with fundraising for this last deadline and I sincerely thought I wasn’t going to meet it. I spent a lot of time making peace with the possibility of not leaving until a July route. Then Jesus laughed at my futile worrying and provided above and beyond my financial need. It left me baffled and honestly a little confused and really out of sorts trying to get my head back in the game. I needed to prepare to leave the beginning of January and I had kinda mentally checked out thinking I didn’t need to really get myself together for several more months.
I had gotten used to the idea of staying and making myself more financially comfortable before leaving. I made grand plans of how to get myself fully funded before leaving if I were to stay until July. I was going to be able to rely on myself and not have to do the whole trusting thing that I have such a stinking hard time with.
So I’ve spent this past week trying desperately to get it all together in time. I got my yellow fever vaccine. I made a power of attorney and took care of some other really important paperwork. I spent time with friends and family that I’m going to really miss. But I still feel like my life is currently a disorganized disaster and there is no way I’ll be ready to leave in 1 week! I’ve repeatedly cleaned my kitchen and room with OCD like tendencies in an attempt to feel like I have control over some area of my life right now.
I’m a hot mess. Yet in the midst of it there is an underlying unspeakable peace that comes from knowing without a doubt that I’m here because Jesus has me here and that no matter what craziness ensues, he isn’t going anywhere.
I’m leaving.
I’m leaving because I’m following Jesus. Following him way out of my comfort zone, out of my neatly controlled life, out of my country. Following him to the ends of the earth so that others can know this crazy insatiable love he has for us.
There are a few things I need still. I need about $150-$200 of monthly support for my personal account. This will allow me to purchase things I will need in each country as well as allow me to do things on my days off with my team and squad. To donate to that use my gofundme account or send me a check to my house, just message me for those details. I still have a lot of money to raise to be fully funded to stay on the race the whole time. To make donations to that just go to where it says “support me.” Also I haven’t been able to afford to get my malaria meds. I’d love to not get malaria. Would you consider buying them for me? If so send me a message. Finally, I covet your prayers. Prayers for provision for my remaining needs. Prayers for peace as I prepare to leave in a week. Prayers for the people I’m leaving behind here for a year. Prayers that Jesus would really work in and through me over this year.
Thanks so much y’all for the unending love and support!
