Hey everyone!
I know that it has been quite a while since I have written a blog or really updated you guys at all about what’s been going on. I must admit, I’ve been super busy, but there is a part of me that was simply too lazy to sit down and write about where life has taken me within the past four months. Sorry for leaving you guys to wonder where in the world Megan Smith is now (not that my life is anything too extravagant). So, without further procrastination, I will give you all a much needed and overdue update on my life and where I’m at in the process of preparation for the World Race.
May was a very eventful month for me.
For one, I finished my first year of college at UNI. DANG, I FINISHED MY FIRST YEAR OF COLLEGE. What a weird thought and reality. But also an amazing thought and reality. God blessed me with a lot in my first year, and I’m so thankful for that. But there is definitely a part of me that’s a little sad that I’m not going back this fall. While at UNI, I was involved with theRiver – a ministry with Prairie Lakes Church – and the Navigators – another ministry. I had the opportunity to be in a Bible study with theRiver, where I met and became friends with some of the greatest humans. I love them all so much. (Shoutout to Megan and Michelle for being the best leaders ever. Like for real.) I was also involved with UNI’s chapter of International Justice Mission (which Michelle also led), which advocates for the end of human trafficking. My first year of college was filled with a lot of blessings for sure, but also had a lot of pain, too. If you’re curious about the pain that I’m referring to, just ask!
This is the wonderful group of girls that I got to be in a Bible study with! Aren’t they beautiful?
Another thing that happened in May was a mission trip to Haiti. For a week, I was in Camp Marie (a community in Haiti) with a team of six other college students and one wonderful leader (whose name was Meghan Smith – what are the odds??!!). We partnered with an organization called 410 Bridge, who has been helping Camp Marie get clean water and better living conditions for the past few years. While we were there, we did home visits and prayed for the people of the community, taught the kids english, played with the kids, and became more informed about what 410 Bridge has been doing in their community. It was such a great experience. The way that the people loved each other and us so easily truly touched my heart and gave me a glimpse of how Jesus loved others.
These are my children, Jeeda and E-yoo-desh (I honestly don’t know how to spell their names, so I sounded them out for you). These kids will have my heart forever.
This is the group of people that I went to Haiti with! They are great!
Another thing that happened in May was that I left home once again to work at Pine Lake Camps for my fourth summer – this time, as maintenance! It’s honestly been one of the best summers I’ve ever had. The whole staff is so loving and kind. Like seriously, they are great. Especially the two other wonderful maintenance peeps, Jed and Emily (and our Isaac). I love them to pieces. We spend our days hugging toilets, cleaning up trash, occasionally belaying children up in the air (for the zip line- don’t worry), and many other things. Every day is an adventure, and every day is good. Thankfully, I get to be with these wonderful humans until the middle of August!
This is the maintenance dream team. They are the best.
In more recent news, I just got back from training camp for the World Race! I spent the last 11 days in Gainesville, Georgia with the other 270-ish people that will also be leaving in September to spread the Gospel to the nations. Training camp was a challenge, but there was so much goodness and joy in it. There was pain, growth, joy, and rejoicing. And I must say, my squad is BOMB. Literally, I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to travel the world with. Green Squad, Dream Squad. Woo. AND MY TEAM. OH, MY TEAM! THEY ARE SO GREAT. I am on a team of seven people- three boys and four girls. They are all unique in their own way, but God definitely knew what He was doing when He placed us with one another because we mesh so well! And wow are they supportive. A 2.2 mile hike in 38 minutes wouldn’t have been doable without them holding my hands and pulling me along. I can’t wait for the next year with them. AH. I can only imagine the wonderfulness that God will do in and through all of us.
This is Team Toso Kala (It means “so good” in Greek). Myles (in the dark green shirt) helped lead our team throughout training. He is seriously such a cool guy. Everyone needs to know this man.
Another thing I want to update you guys on is fundraising! It has been going so well. The Lord provides in the coolest ways and in such abundance. Currently, I have fundraised (“I” being a loose term) about $9,100. So that means I still need to raise about $6,000 more to reach my goal of approximately $15,000. I have until August 20th (ish) to raise $900 more and until the end of the year to raise the rest. If you would like to donate, you can click the link in my bio! There is also the option of buying a t-shirt for $20 (orders are due July 22nd) or a scarf for $10! Anything is appreciated. Especially prayers.
I want you all to know that I am so thankful for those that have donated to me and those that have been praying for me. Your hearts for giving fill me with joy and make me so happy to have people in my life that have so much love to give. For those that have donated to me, I am going to be sending you a proper thank you – hopefully super soon rather than later. I’m sorry that I haven’t done that yet. You guys deserve a proper thank you! So I want you guys to know that your donations haven’t gone unnoticed or unappreciated. I just suck sometimes. But that’s where grace comes in, right? Thank you, Jesus.
Well y’all (Georgia’s got me saying southern things), that’s what I have for now. I hope you enjoyed this post as much I enjoy you!
God bless, homies.
