THIS is the week where I pack everything up to leave for the World Race, so I thought you must know exactly whats going on, and where I’ve been for the last month with prep work…
The Last Month–
After training camp, I came home and had strep throat, which I kept for two weeks. Then I had my tonsils taken out, which took a full two weeks to recover from. Since then (the first week of August) I have stayed busy with continuing efforts of fundraising; had a booth with info at a local festival, had a Benefit Dinner/Auction/Raffle & Gospel Singing, as well as time sharing with churches, at home and back in the mountains. Its been incredible to see the hearts that have been SO willing to help, encourage, serve, and be inspired by my part in God’s story, enabling them (you) to be part of the story, too as we bring hope to the nations. People have been lifting up prayers, financially supporting me, or helping out in whatever capacity I’ve needed in prep for this adventure. I’m about $1,000 away from being FULLY FUNDED! 🙂 And YES, I’m in awe of this! In less than 3 months the Lord has provided over $15k as I’ve needed to purchase quality gear, buy malaria medicine, rare vaccines, international travel insurance with MedEvac, etc.; expenses that are additional to the initial cost. The Lord has provided, graciously! Praise God!
I’ve also been able to spend time with my sweet family & precious friends– which I’m so thankful for!
What I do know–
I leave Monday, September 5. And fly from Raleigh to Atlanta. I’ll spend a few days in Atlanta for final training, and then will leave for ROMANIA! In Romania, my team, Team Perisseuo, will work alongside Team Radiant in Draganesti, southern Romania, church planting for the first month. I don’t know all the credential as to what this will look like for that time, but I’ll be keeping you updated along the way! 🙂
Changes–
Theres been a few changes to our route, too. From Romania, we’ll travel to Moldova, a country north east of Romania. Due to the needs of the community there, we are able to help out this community even more, so we’ll be in Moldova!
Thoughts Before Leaving–
I’m most definitely excited, this is what my team and I have been prepping for!
Leaving for 11 months will be hard, no doubt. Its not a week long trip, or even a summer abroad in service. We don’t come home after we’re tired, we can’t pick up the phone and call home, text our friends throughout the day, go for a drive, get Chic-fil-A whenever we get hungry, or visit family for the weekend and holidays. This is a full commitment to Ministry and seeing the Lord be glorified around the world.
I keep getting so many questions and comments like, “are you scared?” or, “you don’t think you’ll get homesick?” “why would you want to do that, you have everything you need right here! Theres no way I’d leave the country as bad as its getting over there!”
Sometimes I have to step back from it all and collect myself and thoughts. If I could be completely honest with you, I don’t believe I’m scared. I have every confidence that THIS is what the Lord has led me to and full confidence that He’s prepared me. He is sufficient and will clear this path for us as we begin.
Secondly, I’m human. I do believe I’ll miss family and friends. Afterall, they have been super encouraging and have been true rocks for me and I love them (you). Last summer when I was in India and got sick from a water borne illness, I. WAS. MISERABLE. I felt terrible. I couldn’t have wanted anything more than to be home, where I could be well taken care of with all modern amenities and comfortable things. Sure, there’s an array of things that could occur on the Race and thats why my team and I NEED your prayers. Everything from strength, confidence, and knowledge that God is sufficient for our needs as we leave all that is comfortable and known to us as we face the challenge of the unknown. Prayers for the people that we’re going to be working with, that we meet, the places that we go to, family situations, travel, and spiritual growth.
So, come along with me! Come along with my team. Go with us in prayer (we NEED you). Go with us in spirit. Be ready to embrace and be captivated by pictures and stories and the GREAT ways that the Lord is working in our world. Thank you for your prayers, financial support, and your encouragement!
