It’s a rainy Sunday here in Indian Rocks Beach. All the lively chatter and cheer has faded from the send-off party my mom hosted last night. The bags under my eyes are telling the world that I stayed up way too late laughing with my friends who came in town, and I’m trying not to cry as I say goodbye to them one-by-one.
Then it hits me: I leave in 11 days.
Every time I think this just got real, I’m hit with a new depth of just how real it is. I’m leaving this life and I won’t be coming back for 11 months. Who knows if the life I’m leaving behind will even be here when I return?
My emotions are all over the map as this transition inches closer, but today gratitude overwhelms them all.
A wise friend once said, “when in doubt, write a gratitude list” and that’s what I’ll do.
Here are 11 things I’m grateful for as I am 11 days away from starting this 11-month journey to 11 countries:
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God’s provision
A lot of times when we talk about provision, it starts and ends with money. While He has most definitely blessed me in that area through the fundraising process so far, I am also thankful for the path He laid out for me to get here.
God has provided me with amazing friends, family, supporters, teammates, leaders, and prayer warriors. From the friend who shared the Gospel with me for the first time to the World Race alumni who told me about her experience, I can look back and clearly see the Lord’s hand over my life from the beginning.
It’s kind of mind blowing to think of all that He has and will continue to do in His role as the Great Provider. The limitless nature of how God does for me what I cannot do for myself brings this overflow of gratitude that would require an entire book to explain. I figured giving it the first spot on today’s list would suffice for now.
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A reunion with my Dad and Grandparents
Following high school, I moved hundreds of miles from my hometown in Northern Virginia and only had the chance to visit that same year around Christmas. I can hardly believe it’s been nearly five years since I stepped foot in the metro D.C. area, but I’m so thankful that I get to visit my family before launch. It truly is a blessing!
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My silly, slightly overbearing, loving doggos
No explanation necessary. I will miss them dearly.
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Friends who inspire me
There’s nothing like saying goodbye to people you love to make you realize why it is you love them so much.
After we said “see you later,” I took a mental surf over the many traits I appreciate, admire, aspire to, and adore about the core group of women closest to me. They are authentic and true to themselves, and they push me to do the same. I’ve been a part of too many surface level friendships to know that true friends are, in fact, hard to find. I’m counting my blessings and each of these women is one of them.
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Having this month to rest and regroup
Truthfully, it has been a process for me to find this on my gratitude list. I’m not one for sitting around. I like to go, go, go. In the first week of being home, I had a full calendar. The second week, I had more time than I knew what to do with. I’ve now come to appreciate the slow, quiet time I have with my family this month. I’m learning to love sitting still, especially when I know the opportunities to do so are fleeting. It is a wonderful blessing to have this space and time set aside for the people I love.
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The will to love and serve others
I’ve mentioned this in previous blogs, but the person I was before Christ was in no way interested in volunteering to help other people. I was way too concerned with my wants. It’s a plain miracle that the Lord transformed me into someone who chooses to go through life with a spirit of service and love. Only God, right? I’m grateful that I’m no longer living for me, and instead I’m living for the God who gives me grace to be useful to others.
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A life worth missing
Gratitude is all about perspective and this perfectly highlights why. It’s not about the material comforts in my life, although those are great. It’s about the love I can give and receive, the joy I have in my heart, the purpose I get to walk out, and stepping into my true identity. It’s the little details that make the big picture immaculate. I have a great life here because I choose to appreciate it for what it is. I’m so thankful that I don’t feel the need to escape from my reality anymore. I will miss things as they are, and that’s a gift in and of itself.
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West Florida sunsets
I hope I never take this for granted. Thanks, God.
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Answered Prayers
I am confident I would not be 11 days from launching on the World Race right now if it weren’t for all those prayers. I’ve lifted countless prayers to Jesus during this almost-year of preparation, and he has provided more than I could ever hope for with my limited human imagination. More than that, you all have fervently kept me in prayer and I have confidence that your intercession for me has made a way. Thank you for that. Also, thank you God for listening to your children!
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11 days!!!!!!!!
I can’t believe it’s finally happening. I’ve been waiting for this for what seems like eternity. I am beyond excited that the start of the race is just around the corner. Part of me can hardly wait! The hype level is real, y’all.
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11 days
Eleven days of rest. Eleven days to soak up my puppies, those magical sunsets, and of course, precious time with family. I have an incredible amount of peace with the time I have left here. Just as the hype level is real, the peace level is also real. Perhaps that doesn’t make sense, but I told you my emotions we’re all over the place. I will have to say peace wins, though.
