Don’t let this picture fool ya…getting ready to hop on the plane for our last minute training in Atlanta took non-stop work. I was involved, of coarse — but it took much more than me. There were some serious unsung heros of getting my butt to launch & eventually Indonesia. I give you some of the most wonderful people in. the. world. My amazing parents. They both worked their tails off to get me here. There was the physical help. There was the massive amounts of prayers. There was the moving my stuff to their house & the cleaning & organizing. & there was the unconditional love in the form of hugs, car maintenance, playing games, & yes — still more hugs 🙂 Some parents of racers are really struggling, but mine have given me nothing but support from the moment I said “so there’s this 11 month mission trip…”. You guys are the heros of the story — you raised me to be a missionary, & I’m finally doing it. You have made it possible for me to not look back & I am running forward because of you. You pointed me to Jesus & gave me all the hugs. Thanks Momma. Thanks Pops. I could not be here without you, not for a moment.
& then a bonus thanks…I might not have a picture but what she did was no less significant…it’s my wonderful Aunt Jean, who came to the rescue to help pack in the final moments. I couldn’t find my Bible & that was kinda making me wig out. But she read me some amazing verses & searched tirelessly through all my stuff till it was found. I would be lost without it — thank you, Aunt Jean — you are a treasure & a tireless servant.
Aunt Joy — you were also endlessly patient & kind as I was your roomate & not a great one. I will miss you terribly during the end of the Eagles’ post-season & during the times when new Hallmark movies are released. Thank you for being excessively patient & I am so proud of you & all your future education that you’re gonna kill! You got this!
Last but not least is a friend who has chosen to support me as I’ve gone through all the phases of this process. She prayed with me that I’d get to be home before I left on the race. She cheered me on just like family because she is family — part of my church small group family. She hiked with me when I was practicing for the race. She prayed me through training camp & listened to all the things. And as I’m away, she has agreed to be my point person — my church advocate who will keep up with what’s going on & how to pray: my girl Niki. You have helped me so much, friend…thank you. You have already been such a huge part of this race & I can’t wait to keep up with you & share what God does. Thank you for being a truth-giver & a prayer warrior.
Love you all so much…thanks for the best send off ever — because of you I can do what I need to do. And now I’m in Indonesia, starting my race! Thank you — love you all!!
