January– Landed a dream job far beyond my wildest imagination and started working in Entertainment at Walt Disney World.
February– Ran my first half marathon to the glory of God! That experience was a form of worship for me and sparked many more conversations of faith amongst different people. Through God’s strength I did something I never thought I could ever do! “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13
March– Best friends came to visit me all way at Disney! Did my first “Daniel Fast” that lasted 17 days. Saw God perform a miracle by answering a huge prayer request of mine after “praying circles” around it for weeks.
April– Had lots of fun with friends and at my job. Poured into my church and small group a lot and was so blessed. Struggled with fundraising and my mile long “to-do” list in prep for The World Race.
May– Finished my second Disney College Program! Returned home to VA for a couple restful weeks. Got to be a part in one of my best friend’s weddings. Saw God provide ALL of my essential WR gear in one week through a “Dear Santa” blog that I posted. Praise the Lord!
June– Worked a LOT. Was blessed beyond belief with much gracious hospitality through Orlando friends and family.
July– World Race Training Camp. A week that changed and challenged me greatly. I met the 50 people that would soon become my closest friends and family for the next year. Learned more about God, life, myself, and what the heck I was getting myself into with this World Race thing.
August– Finished up at my beloved job. Said goodbye to precious friends and family members in Florida that had been my life and home for the past year. Spent time with friends and family in VA.
September– China. After a year of prep and faith stretched beyond what I thought was even possible, I trusted God and He provided for EVERY financial deadline and WR requirement in order for me to leave. On the first day of ministry in China I got to share the gospel and lead 2 girls to Christ.
October– Thailand. Ate yummy food, enjoyed beautiful nature, got to serve alongside amazing contacts, and loved on God’s children. Went to Burma for a day. Rode elephants. Set off floating lanterns just like in Tangled.
November– Cambodia. Lived in a village and was challenged all month long with ministry, living conditions, and physical health. Saw how God transformed one lonely tuk-tuk drivers life into a man committed and set on fire entirely by the Spirit of God. I learned to live simply and serve by faith not by sight.
December– Malaysia. A month of rest. Got to use my musical talents to serve. Grew closer to my team and closer to the Lord through prayer. Had an all night of prayer. Rang in Christmas and New Years Day with worship. Spent the holidays with a new group of people that I call family.
I’ve lived in 6 different countries this year. Called 7 different places home. Had 1 job. Lost x lbs. Gained x lbs. Raised $12,200. Trusted God even when it seemed crazy. Saw God physically and spiritually free people. Gone from “needing” this and that to learning to live with only the basic essentials. Let out a weirdness that probably noone has ever seen. And always and forever, learned to love a kind of love that is only possible through God.
“Through the highs and lows, as seasons come and go, You never fail. Forever You will be the great Eternal King, now and always. Day after day Your love will remain faithful and true. You are Good.”
