Oh my goodness this is it! Last friday morning bright and early, I said my last goodbyes and caught a flight out to Atlanta, GA! Recently when people have asked me how I aml, I kind of laugh and say “all the feels” and then go into a stories of what it has looked like deciding what to bring on the Race considering even the little things add up in weight, going on coffee and ice cream dates with my people, simply sharing life and relationship, and mentally saying goodbye to my current season and hometown. But these last few days in Atlanta have been such a treasure and so valuable to me!
Since arriving the days have looked like morning sessions around 9 am where we all come together (there are 4 other squads going on different routes launching at the same time); more specialized training for individual team roles such as treasurer, team leader, storyteller, and logistics; coming together in worship; learning about how to share the gospel in different cultural contexts; and so much prayer with my leaders, teammates, and just with the girls in my room. Currently we have been so blessed to have hot showers, coffee makers, and a space to ask questions and learn from AIM’s staff who have done the Race and just continue to pour unconditionally into us.
For me, I think the community aspect of how we are already learning to live has just rocked my world. It is powerful to sit with fellow squad mates and simply listen with no agenda and no time limit to their stories and who they are, while hanging out in free time. God’s Kingdom is here and He is simply always on the move and their stories are such a testament to this. With my team, we are working within our team budget so we have had a lot of great conversations over PB&J’s, Pizza, and there was one incident where I accidentally made a coffee infused *Top Ramen. It has been so powerful to operate in such autonomy and ownership of our Race together as a team. AIM is truly about His Kingdom, and they have done a wonderful job of giving us access to the world within some framework, but then challenging us to grow, develop, mess-up, and own our individual Race all within the context of community, mentorship, and loving coaching.
During these days of launch, I have seen the Lord move and encourage my fellow racers who are also saying goodbye and stepping in boldness and humility into this year of unknowns. I saw parents praying over their children and their kids praying bold prayers over them as well. There have been tears, big hugs, and many deep conversions. For me, definitely “all the feels.” There has been excitement, joy, anticipation, exhaustion, and peace. On one of the first nights here, I had this thought that just inspired such a fear in my heart about leaving, and I took it to the Lord in worship that night. Through pressing in and asking why and being reminded of His truths and faithfulness and all I know of Him, He truly just touched my heart and opened understanding into a fear that I have had for a long time and it has been incredible the amount of peace that He has filled me with for this decision to leave since. This commitment is truly such a gift and a joy to accept.
I have been very soberly reminded of the endurance, cost, and decisions that we will make on the Race through our sessions. But in Christ we have all things and through Him we have the freedom to walk boldly in humble authority. I am so excited to bring Kingdom and learn more just what His Kingdom looks like in this next year and for the rest of my life!!
My Team 😀
Prayer Partnership: I would love for you to join me in praying over the unity of my team especially as we launch and get to know each other in the field. Our hope is that through our unity, authenticity, and relationship others would see Christ and be drawn towards Him. We would also appreciate prayer for those we encounter on the **Camino in Spain. Please pray for opportunities to just enter into authentic relationship with those on the trail, vendors nearby, and anyone we encounter. Finally, my squad would love if you could pray bold prayers against bed bugs. Funny, yes and not a big deal if we do encounter them, but yes we will definitely be praying against them too!
Thanks so much for everything!! Your prayers and texts of encouragement truly mean the world to me. I am so excited to share this journey with you and partner together in the Kingdom. Definitely let me know if there are any ways that I can be lifting you up as well!
Blessings,
Breanna
*ProTip: when using the hotel coffee maker to make hot water for Top Ramen always double check to see if the previous coffee bag was removed ;D
**Our first country is Spain and we will be doing a section of the Camino Trail! Another blog on our hope and vision for the Camino coming soon
