Quick Status Update 🙂

I'm getting up in 4 hours to fly out to Atlanta, GA.  I am meeting up with my fellow Z squaders for 5 more days of training.  I fly out to Manila on 9/10.  

Last night I had a moment of panic.  11 months all of a sudden felt impossible.  The goodbyes all started to settle in (knowing that saying goodbye to my family was next) and I started to feel very alone.  I litterally said to myself, 'what am I getting myself into?'  

Instead of trusting G-d for my every moment this next year and asking Him to carry the heaviness of this decision- I was looking at this race like I was expected to handle this alone.  This isn't so.  The L-rd promises to always be with us in Matthew 28:30 "And surely I will be with you always until the end of the age."

Today I have felt much better.  I had a lot of prayer from family and friends and changed my focus to one day at a time instead of looking at the race as a whole.  When my mind started to wander (because that is what it likes to do) to days/weeks ahead.  I sillily had to tell myself 'no' and redirect it.

With a better outlook and new joy and excitement for leaving in my heart- I got all packed up.  I will be carrying 47lbs on my back and 25lbs on my front.  If you know me… this is packing light.  5- t-shirts, 3- nice shirts, 2- work shorts, 3 skirts (shin length – keeping it appropes), 2 pants, 2 capris and 2 pjs and 1 zip-up hoodie!  No doubt its too much, but I don't know which stuff is not worth taking yet.  Lets just say I love me some crazy pants!  
Thank you for all your prayers and financial support.  As of now I am at about $9,400.  With monthly donations (coming in each month) I am at about $12,200.  $3,800 from being fully funded!!  G-d has been so goooood!!!  Thank you so much for your blessings, love and care.

Looking forward to writing you on the road.  I'm off!

I love you,

Kristen