The past few days I’ve been in Atlanta Georgia for launch. All 40 of my team members traveled from across the US to be together for some last-minute training before we head out to Colombia. It was a strange sensation to leave home with the idea of leaving the country for 9 months, yet still being in America for a few more days. Little did we all know that this sensation was about to get a whole lot weirder. Hurricane Irma threw herself into the mix. The original plan was to leave for Colombia on Monday the 11 but, per usual, God had a different idea. So, instead of being in an Atlanta hotel for 4 days and then flying out to Colombia; our flight was cancelled and we were bussed to a church where we stayed in their gymnasium. Nothing says natural disaster like living in a gymnasium for an unknown amount of time. Just when we thought we’d never actually leave the country, we received updated travel plans. Because our flights were all cancelled out of Atlanta our back up plan became flying out of Washington D.C. So, on Tuesday September 12 we packed up and were on our way. We boarded the church’s bus and were being taken to the Atlanta Greyhound station. None of us knew the extent of the adventure waiting for us. To get to the D.C. airport we had to take a 17-hour Greyhound bus trip, take 2 subways during D.C. rush hour, and then get on another bus which took us to the airport. Doesn’t sound too bad until you remember that there were over 20 of us and we all have obnoxiously large backpacks. It was an adventure to say the least! We shared lots of laughs, we’re exhausted, and we’re all breathing a sigh of relief to finally be sitting in the airport. Finally landing, and being in Colombia is going to be so much sweeter now. So close!
A theme for me throughout this past week has been rest. Finding rest in God, in all circumstances. It’s so easy to become upset, discouraged, or lose sight of the big picture when things don’t go according to plan. It’s also hard to find literal rest when you’re surrounded by new people 24/7 and are traveling for over 24 hours straight. But instead of letting these things affect me, I’m learning how to take those to God. As cheesy as it sounds, He brings so much comfort and renewal. When I was doubting this whole trip, He reassured me by bringing more donations in. When I was drained from being around people I escaped into His word and presence and felt an amazing sense of peace rush over me. He knows exactly what we need, we just need to ask. These 9 months will not be easy, that has already been made clear. This doesn’t worry or scare me though, I know my God is bigger and rest through Him is what will keep me goin.
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Isaiah 40:31
“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Exodus 14:14
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Fundraising update: I have only about $2,100 to go until I’m fully funded!! If you’d like to join me on this journey you can do so here
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