Greetings friends and followers!
Have you been wondering what’s going on in my life, how I’m preparing for my trip, and how I’m doing?? Are you interested in how you can support me without writing a check?? Read on, friend! Read on.
Life Update!
– I finished up my job in Harrisonburg and moved back to my home in Midlothian, VA, where I will live until the Race.
– I am not currently working, so I fill up my days with reading books, preparing for the Race (more on that later), and meeting with people (I love sitting down with people for meals or coffee; it’s one of my favorite things).
– Exciting news! My squad is now an all-girls squad! We found out this past week that our one, token male was moved to a different October route with more men, so now it’s just us ladies! There are 22 of us and our GroupMe is always bumpin’. We are quite excited to meet each other and start this wild adventure together in about a week! We are the 2017 C Squad, and our color is green. Look out, world!
– My Race is currently 92% funded!!! WHAT??? That’s crazy!! Thank you all so much for your support!!
– This is what my next few months will look like:
I am running back and forth between Harrisonburg and Midlothian for vaccines and counseling appointments until Training Camp.
August 20-30, I have Training Camp for the Race in Gainesville, GA! There, I will meet my squadmates for the first time, learn from the Adventures in Missions leadership about the heart behind the World Race, experience incredible worship, complete the physical test of hiking 2.2 miles in 38 minutes with my pack on, and learn alongside my squadmates what it looks like to live together and do mission work in 11 countries in 11 months. It’s going to be WILD. I am so excited, and I can’t wait to come back and tell you all about it!
In September, I will be living at home and making final preparations for my trip. I hope to spend about 10 days in Harrisonburg visiting my friends there and saying final goodbyes. If you would like to meet with me during the month of September, let me know!
– I’m doing really really well. Transitioning back home after being in college for 3.5 years and working full time/living on my own for 7 months wasn’t as emotional as I expected, and I’m really thankful that I didn’t have to graduate and move out all at once! Graduating early and staying in Harrisonburg to work and lead my small group was such an incredible gift from the Lord. I certainly miss the mountains and the sunsets, but home feels like home and I’m thankful for that.
How I’m Preparing for the Race
– Packing: How do you fit a year’s worth of stuff into a backpack?? Someone help me!!
– Gear: My “missionary wardrobe” is POPPIN’ (thanks, Goodwill!). I have all of my “big” gear (tent, sleep system, pack, etc.), and am still collecting all of my “little” gear. I have put together a registry on Amazon if you are interested in supporting my trip by purchasing some of my “little gear” for me (link below).
– To be honest, I have not been diligently preparing for the physical component. July got crazy (and hot) and I fell out of the habit of going on runs every night. The two times since then I have strapped on my 35-37lb backpack and trudged around the neighborhood, I did 2.2 miles in under 38 minutes! Woohoo! Two weeks until I get to do it in the hot Georgia sun with my squadmates!
– My prayers and Scripture studies these days focus on preparing my heart for my World Race community. I am aware that I struggle with pride, and Satan likes to use my natural leadership abilities and my desire to build community to tempt me to control, compare, and have feelings of superiority. I’m struggling a lot with comparing myself to my squadmates: where they are in their funding, their spiritual gifts, their leadership potential, and even their struggles! I hate it, it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth, and I am preparing my mind for action by meditating on this Scripture:
“Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from His love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”
– Philippians 2:1-4
Please join me in praying that Holy Spirit will fully prepare my heart and mind for the community He has prepared for me on the Race. I know that God has us all together for a reason; our strengths will complement our weaknesses. I know that every single one of these women is ordained and appointed for the ministry we are about to enter into, and that there is no hierarchy of gifts or strengths. My fear is that I will hide or make myself invisible at Training Camp because I am afraid of pride hurting my relationships there. But who God created me to be is unique, intentional, and enough! Satan is tempting me to compare and despair, and to that I say, “Not today, Satan!”
New Ways to Support!
Here are two new ways that you can support my World Race mission trip!
1. Paper Recycling Fundraiser! Here’s a fundraiser with no expense to you: I am collecting paper recycling to raise money for my trip! ALL paper is accepted – newspaper, printer paper, hardback/softcover books, cardboard, shredded paper, magazines, etc. Please start saving your paper recycling for me. I will be collecting it the weekend of September 22-24. You may either bring it to 1119 Royal Ridge Road (Sept 22-23rd) or to Huguenot Road Baptist Church (Sept 24th). There will be a truck and trailer clearly marked for collection. Harrisonburg friends, I will be there September 10-20th, and I can collect yours then! Feel free to email me ([email protected]) with any questions or to request a flyer to distribute to your friends, neighbors, or workplace!
2. World Race Registry! As I mentioned before, I am in the process of collecting my “little” items that I need for my trip. Between travel and vaccines and “big” gear, going on the Race includes a lot of personal expense. Would you be willing to help me by purchasing some of my gear for me? Here is the link to my registry: http://a.co/dZKqnzg. Please use smile.amazon.com and select “Huguenot Road Baptist Church” as your charity!
That’s all for now, folks! Thank you so much for your support financially and through prayers. I couldn’t do this without you!
To God be the glory forever!
Jess
