Preparing for this exciting journey has involved a ton…a ton of shopping, organizing, promoting, support raising, exploration of myself and my abilities. This process began right after my interview in January. I spent a few weeks in prayer and in intense reflection of my intentions for pursuing this trip, as well as seeking a green light from God. Once I came to a place in which I had peace and assurance of going on this race, I accepted my position in the July 2 route. There are 48 people in my squad who are leaving on July 10, 2011! Preparations over the last several months included:
EXPLORATION:
Analyzing the reasons for this trip, my long-term goals in regard to this trip, who I want to be in Christ during this trip and as a result of this trip, if this is where God has been leading me. One huge aspect of this was preparing my testimony for the first time. This was done to aid a part of my story as to why I'm going on this trip and also in presenting this decicion to others. I wanted to be raw with the people around me, my church family, in adding my testimony to my presentation and open up the same vulnerability and accountability to them.
SUPPORT LETTERS:
All personalized and prayed over, my support letters allow others to learn about this amazing trip, my heart for this trip, and to be a part of this adventure through prayers, financial support, and by following my blog. Included with each letter was a prayer card, which was created by a master-mind friend, in my opinion.
SHOPPING:
Shopping for my "home" for the next year…a 70L pack, 2-person tent, sleeping bag, thermorest, and so
much more.
A whopping 46 lbs. added to each step.
TRAINING CAMP:
A week in Copperhill, Tennessee, filled with spiritual awareness, team building, cultural understanding, and well…dance parties! At training camp we were led in worship by Jonathon David Helser…awesome in an African way. Each day was built around a different culture. Whether it be women serving the men at meal-time and themselves sitting on the ground to eat, while the guys prance around holding hands everywhere they went, or like in Asia, with shoes off, noone was suppose to walk in front of another when indoors, so instead had to walk behind them bent over with one hand extended. This is also where our teams of 7 were formed…our family for the next year.
My Team of Lovelies
FUNDRAISING:
Olive Garden carry-in: great leaders from my small group at church organized this profitable event
Garage Sales: one in Texas and Indiana
5K run and 2 mile walk: the most time consuming fundraiser but such a great experience
Bracelets: my awesome friend, Jamie, began making beaded bracelets to raise money for my trip
T-shirts: specific to the 5k race, but for sale to anyone who would like them. Also created by my master-mind friend because the silouette is actually of me.
Such an amazing journey so far in preparing for the year ahead! Lots of stress…lots of reliance on God. I can't give enough thanks to all who have supported me and encouraged me during these past several months. I pray each person will be tremendously blessed as I have been and will continue to be through them. Talk to ya in Romania!!
