So here is the blog post that everyone’s been waiting for. The final post before leaving. I haven’t gotten to it until this moment partially because I’ve been putting it off, and partially because I find it hard to put into words all my emotions about leaving comfort of home for 11 months.
When people ask if I’m ready I say yes because in my soul I know I’ve been waiting for this moment for 4 1/2 years, ever since God told me He would be taking me to the nations!
I am exuberant and and filled with JOY….which makes me nervous. I hear this little voice in the back of my mind saying “maybe there’s something wrong with me if I’m this excited to leave everything behind, because I look around and see my other squadmates anxiously worried about leaving everything behind.” But then I turn back to staring Jesus in the face and all that I have learned about him in Church and in school, and I how he called the disciples to drop everything and trust him and follow him fully…..and I am there! I am joyously following him on the path he has set in front of me!
I am so excited to see what God has in store for me this year. He is going to be teaching me so much; growing me, pushing me, stretching me to my limits until all I have left is Him. Because that is what happens when we leave everything behind for Him.
I admit I have a smidge of melancholy sadness about leaving everyone behind, knowing that they will be moving on with their lives too. But I know I will still have a place in them when I come back. I’ll be able to send videos and email back home when I can. << I remember that all the time and it gives me strength out of that sadness. Look how far technology has brought missionaries! Haha.
I am open and as prepared as I can be for what God has to teach me.
I am trusting God even more because I’m not as far along in fundraising as I thought I would have been. I’m halfway but I would have liked to be closer to the finish so I don’t have to worry about continuing to fundraise while on the Race. I trust Him though! He’s got it all planned out and is asking me to put my full faith in Him (and in all of you) and I have! I do! I’ll continue to remind everyone that every dollar helps!! If 320 people gave $25 I would be fully funded! How cool is that?! It doesn’t take much.
I have been astonished by support I have received by so many individuals. I am absolutely humbled by my friends, family, and church family. I am honored to be your advocate to the nations, to share God love that we see everyday, to spread the message of Christ’s salvation. And I can’t wait to tell you all about it!
I’m having a Launch Party at the church tomorrow night (well, tonight really) at 6:45pm (after evening services) in the Fellowship Hall! I am excited to see everyone one last time before leaving, simply being in fellowship with my friends and family shows me such love that I long for.
I don’t do “goodbyes.” I do “see you laters,” haha. Ever since I can remember, my dad and I have always said, “see you later, alligator” and ” after while, crocodile.” So I’m going to leave you with that….
See you later, alligators!
