Excited. Anxious. Sad.
With FOUR days being the only thing standing between launch and I, I could try and describe to you how I’m feeling. Instead, I’m giving you a few words that somewhat explain it.
Excited that I get to see my squad and give them the biggest hugs. I’ve missed them SO much since training camp and I’m beyond thrilled to serve alongside of them for 11 months! YAY! Also so excited to build so many relationships around the world with people who are completely different from me. And of course, to leave the country (for the FIRST time ever), see the world and experience it on my own.
Anxious about anything and everything. I’m a SERIOUS overthinker so my mind starts to pick through everything at an unnecessary level. What if something goes wrong at the borders of these countries? What if something is wrong with my passport or ID and they fly me back home? What if something happens to a family member while I’m gone? What if I think I have everything but I’m forgetting crucial things that I’ll need? What if I get sick? What if I get attacked? What if I can’t handle it and give up? What if there’s an emergency and I don’t have internet access to contact my family, or anyone for that matter? What if they feed me like they did at training camp and I go hungry? What if I don’t get enough sleep? What if my stuff gets stolen? What if something goes terribly wrong while I’m gone? The list goes on and this is when I begin to freak out.
Sad that I am essentially stepping away from the life I know for 11 months. Sad that I won’t have the privilege of talking to my family and boyfriend everyday. Sad that I won’t get to see my friends for nearly a year. Sad that I won’t get to play with my baby brother for a year and that I won’t be able to chase him around the house when he wants me to. Sad that WiFi will no longer be guaranteed. Sad that foods of my choice will no longer be an option. Sad that I won’t get the amount of sleep that I’m so used to having.
I mean, I’ve been looking forward to this for so long. I’ve spent a year preparing for this thing. And it’s finally here. No more waiting, no more just talking about it. It’s actually here.
Expectations: I plan on present and engaging with the people that I’m going to be with, wherever I’m at. Therefore, I have decided I won’t be on my phone much while I’m gone. I will keep everyone updated by blogging (and maybe even vlogging) and I will post on social media when the time is appropriate. So if you don’t hear from me for a while please just bear with me while I am bonding and building relationships with the people around me. **Family (and Kyle), do not be alarmed, you can expect to hear from me as much as possible.
Thank you’s: For those of you who have played a huge part in making this trip a reality for me. Thank you momma (and Jason) for giving me a place to live so that I could give up my apartment to save the money that I needed for my gear along with everything else. Thank you for providing free food for me this year so that my money could go towards other things that I needed such as vaccines. Thank you to ALL of my supporters. Without your donations and prayers I would not have been able to go on this trip. Thank you to everyone who has encouraged (and prayed for) me in any way over the past year, you all have blown my mind. I am forever grateful for all of you.
Fundraising: I’m currently sitting at about $10,000 right now which still leaves me with about $8,000 left to raise (not including the money made from the benefit concert). I have until April to raise the remaining $8,000 and let’s just say I’m already stressed about it. I trust that God is faithful and will provide, that’s one of the BIGGEST things I’ve learned from fundraising. If I’m not able to meet this final deadline, I am at risk of being sent back home to America and not finishing the race with my squad. So if anyone is interested in donating, please feel welcomed to do so. 🙂 Anything is greatly appreciated.
I’m SUPER PUMPED to head out in just four days. My boyfriend, sister, and stepbrother are driving me to the airport at 3am on Thursday morning (Jan. 3rd). From DFW I will fly into Atlanta where I will take the Adventures In Missions bus to the hotel which is where our launch is being hosted. We will spend a few days there doing additional training and preparation for our first month. Then, on Jan. 7th we will fly from Atlanta to Honduras. We will arrive at our first ministry site on Jan. 8th.
I. Cannot. Wait. Honduras, here we come.
