Can you believe it? The time has not only arrived, but it has started! I currently am typing away at the Atlanta Airport. I am trying to tell myself not to take this wifi for granted, but I know I am. And actually, its more than just the wifi that I am taking advantage of- but it is also the flushing the toilets, recognizable food, English- speaking people, Air Conditioning, American outlets, and probably so much more than I can fathom right now. I am charging my devices and getting prepared emotionally, physically, and mentally for these next few days!
Past few days: My mom and sister, Cara, came to down to Atlanta with me for a few days of launch. They were able to meet with the founder of Adventures in Mission, upper leadership, and sit through informative sessions, chat with the mothers of my teammates, as well as join in on a lesson and worship for a night. I am so glad they were able to join me down here. Of course, I wish my dad would have been able to come, but he wasn’t able to get off of work. It has been such a joy to be back with my team and squad- to reunite and all have this passion to get going, to press in more to the Lord, to challenge/encourage/pray for each other, and be in each others presence.
Future: I’ve been at the airport since 10:30 this morning, and not allowed into check into the international airport until 5:30pm. My flight leaves ATl at 10:45pm, we will fly 10 hours to Turkey, have a 9hr layover, to then another redeye at 1:30am to fly 10 hours to Johannesburg, South Africa, then a who knows how long bus ride to my first destination: Malealea Valley/Village, Lesotho! We will be partnering with a ministry called ‘Africa 4 Jesus’. And not sure what we exactly we will be doing but it could include construction, visiting elderly in their homes, plus whatever they need. It currently winter in Africa- yes, winter- as in it snowed 2 weeks ago, weather in the day time is about 60 degrees and at night it gets to the high 30’s! So chilly, but so great. As many of you know, I love winter and cold- therefore I am excited to be cold, and snuggle, and have a litutle bit of my favorite weather feel ‘like home’. Also in case you were wondering- this will be a month of tenting, very very little electricity, and local food!!
I want to thank you all- for your prayers, your letters, your cards, your encouragement, your Facebook ‘like’ and ‘comment’s. I am blown away by your support, continuous prayers, and love for this huge adventure ahead of me. I can’t believe it has already started- and I know it is going to go fast!
Dreams for the upcoming year:
Our last night of worship- I felt distracted, and sat for a moment, in that moment God said ‘Mariah, let me hold you. I want to cradle you, and be your comfort’. As this was really sinking in, God prompted me to not just stand, but to stand on my chair and declare that “He is good (over and over again) as well as He’ll ‘Never let me down”. Right after that I took some time to myself to create some goals to reach for. Not sure how long they will take to accomplish, but I know they are possible because of Him.
- Discover my identity in Christ & be confident in that. Claim it, Be bold, Be strong.
- Make a way for my gifts and passions to be every part of my day and life
- Solve my offenses while going into pray with everything
- As fears, anxiety, and worries arise to point it out and ask the Lord where it stems from and to help overcome them.
