Today was the last day of launch! Tomorrow I will be flying out to Guatemala with my squad, and we will officially be starting our adventure on the World Race. This last week has been really hard. I have said goodbye to my friends and family, and it has not been fun. Honestly, it was one of the hardest things I have ever done.
I left my house, and almost all of my possessions behind. I had to say goodbye to my sisters at the Boston airport, and I won’t see them for nine months. Then, yesterday, I had to say goodbye to my parents. I had to watch them walk away, and I had to start walking in the opposite direction.
I had a squad meeting right after I said goodbye to my parents. I showed up to the meeting crying, and my squad immediately surrounded me with love and support. I am so grateful to have people with me on this journey who don’t care if I cry in front of them. I don’t have to pretend to be okay or to have it all together, and that is so comforting to know.
In my Bible reading yesterday, I came across a verse that really spoke into the sadness I was feeling.
“And now, O Lord God, You are God, and Your words are true, and You have promised this goodness to Your servant.” 2 Samuel 7:28
I had to keep repeating this to myself throughout the day. When I am sad, it is easy for me to think thoughts that are not true and repeat them to myself. I can tell myself that God is far away from me and that I am all alone, or that my future is uncertain. This verse helped me remind myself what is actually true. It doesn’t matter how alone I feel, the Lord is still God. All of his promises are true and He has promised goodness to me. I am his child, and he is always near me.
I am stepping away from everything I value most in this world so that I can run after Him and His plan for me. I am certain that my future is good, and that He is big enough to hold me in his hands. I am dearly loved my Father in heaven, and his love gives me the strength to do hard things.
So, I can leave everything behind and start this journey, because I know that I am loved. The Lord of the universe knows my name and calls me his perfect daughter. He is the Lord God, His promises are always true, and He has promised goodness to me.
