Soooo, today is August 3rd, my 24th birthday, yay!!! Also, today is August 3rd, national twin day, so my twin brother and I thought that was pretty legit. And finally, today is August 3rd, my last day in Lake Charles, at least for the next 11 months. Today Ill be driving over to Houston with a van full of friends as a escort. Ill stay the night there and fly over to Atlanta tomorrow, where I’ll stay for a couple days. Then come Tuesday, Ill be on a plane headed to Ukraine, which is something I still can’t wrap my head around. The furthest I’ve ever been from home is the Gulf of Mexico, and here I am about to make a 13 hour flight to Ukraine with a connection in Turkey, and this is just the tip of the iceberg! (I apologize in advance for how many exclamation points will be in this blog, things are just getting CRAZY!!!!!!!!)
Between packing up for the race, making copies of my passport and ID, forwarding my mail, talking to my phone company, and packing up everything else I own for storage while I’m gone (and yes, this is all being done TODAY), this will be one more in a long string of days that seem to have only gotten busier since my last day at work on Monday. But our God is not a God of confusion, but a Father of peace and truth. He sent me on this journey and I’m doing my best to be obedient. The real adventure hasn’t even started and just in the season of preparation that has been the last 6 months, Ive already learned and grown so much, and even I can see a difference compared to where I was a year ago.
God brought an amazing group of friends into my life in this last season and the affirming truth that they have spoken into me during this time has a worth that cannot be measured. Every step of the way, through the fundraising, the deadlines, buying backpacking gear, and even when I got a bunch of vaccinations, these people were there for me. Without them, I wouldn’t have made it this far. I am so thank full that y’all chose me and y’all never left my corner. Even with thousands of miles separating us, I’ll always know ya’ll have my back.
Some of them I’ve known for years and it took this weird vulnerable time in my life for us all to grow so close. These are my ride-or-dies, my good time every time, my people, my tribe. God brought us all together to sharpen each other, teach each other, and help each other grow in our strengths and understand the grace that comes with our weaknesses and helps Christ shine through us. Not all of them are in this picture, but they are all in my heart to stay. God knew I needed to grow in my vulnerability and fellowship before sending me on the race with a new community, and that’s what these people did for me, and so much more.
And a HUGE thank you to everyone that has supported me so far. This wouldn’t be possible without you. Your donations and prayers have helped me to step into the calling God has for this next chapter of my life. You have helped give me the opportunity to share God’s Word, His love, and His hope with people around the world, and for that I am eternally grateful. Thank you.
And now, although I am able to set out on my journey, my trip is not yet fully funded. I’ve fundraised about $10,000 of Support, which leaves $8,000 more to go. If you would like to support me in this amazing opportunity to preach the Gospel to the nations, you can donate right here on this Blog by clicking the donate button at the top.
God bless! My next update will be from Ukraine!
