Hi, my friends!

It’s been a while! So is it just me, or do you ever feel like you’re running a never-ending marathon in the very last place with absolutely no chance of placing—let alone winning? Welp, that’s exactly how I feel right now. I blinked, you blinked, we all blinked…..and the end of May is staring us in the face. Boy how time does sprout wings and fly. I know that these sayings are cliche, but they’re cliche for a darn good reason.

Speaking of the rapid passage of time, it’s only recently that the maxim “enjoy being young while it lasts” has taken root in my heart. I’ve only heard that saying about…hmmm…..500 times in my life (insert sarcastic grin)? Yet I never really stewed on it until this year, because I’ve denied—for years—the fact that I’m growing up. But now that I roll out of bed sore for no apparent reason….and throw my back out sneezing.…..yeh. my age is definitely becoming apparent. I know, I know. “You’re only eighteen,” you might say. But by golly how those years have vanished away! And before I know it, I’ll be on into my twenties…..then thirties….then forties….hearing the same thing from my parents’ generation—that I’m a spring chicken or something of that sort. It’s really all a matter of perspective. So yes: I feel aged indeed and can hardly believe that I’ll be turning 19 in one short month…..

At one point in time, September seemed so far away. But just as March and April and May snuck up on us with the tip of a hat, September is no different. Do you guys know what that means? It means I’ll be ditching everyone in less than five months! *tear* *tear*. Oh yeh, and what about that thing called summer? I think I forgot what that means (insert sarcastic face). Oh those wonderful childhood play times when we ran out in the fields smelling flowers and happily jumped on the trampoline…..they are gone. Now, work? Work is here. But seriously. My trip is ‘just around the riverbend’ and I have a feeling that it’s all gonna be worth it in the end. My fundraising goal is in arm’s reach and for that I thank the Lord above. I am so very excited, but equally as nervous, since there’s no telling what the future may bring! But that’s what makes it all the more exciting, right? 🙂

I leave for summer camp at MTYC (Mountain Top Youth Camp) this Monday (May 21st) in Winston Salem and am ecstatic. This is my eleventh (and sadly last) year in a row attending this camp which makes me feel even more ancient. MTYC has made such an impact on my life and will always have a place in my heart; but, as with a plethora of other things in my life (elementary—high school, choir, riding in the back of the car instead of driving the car, etc.), it breaks my heart to say “goodbye” to a fanciful childhood and “hello” to the daunting world of adulthood. In short, I am marveled at the speed of time and its complementary surprises; I am sad to be parting ways with chapter 18 of my life, but am simultaneously filled with joy knowing that the end of this chapter marks the beginning of an even better chapter to come (AKA the big 19 and the World Race;-)!

On a lighter note, how about a packing update? Haha. I mentioned in my last blog, all of us Racers must pack everything for nine months into a single backpack (checked luggage) and small carry-on day pack for the Race. Say whaaaat? Yeh. The mere idea of cramming everything from my tent to Pricilla the Pencil Pouch in a lonely backpack freaked me out at first! But thank goodness I had the brilliant idea of packing in my Osprey for MTYC in order to get some practice, because……someone here has never backpacked a day in her life……;0. If we’re technically speaking, then this trip isn’t necessarily a “backpacking” expenditure or intense trekking adventure, but practice packing/conditioning/training is still highly recommended, as a 1-5 mile hike on any given day in any given country could become the norm!

I have been cautioned against my pack exceeding the 40lb mark. Knowing me and my personal packing problems (I’ve got a trend of triple alliterations going on here…haha) I’ll undoubtedly stuff every inch full no matter the size of the pack. So, after conducting some research of my own and placing complete trust in my expert backpacking friends’ advice (thank you, Ethan and Michael; I am much obliged.), I landed with the Osprey Women’s Ariel AG 55L Pack. I am well pleased with it thus far, but still have my doubts just because it seems soooo small. I mean, it’s a fairly decent size, but to hold everything for nine months? Not so sure….heh. But I’m excited to see how camping this week goes with this pack! Maybe (hopefully) it’ll be a fan-tas-ta-ma-ri-fic experience that’ll hype me up even more for launch in September…but I suppose that only time can tell!

 

Until then, please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. Also, there is a GREAT NEED for monthly donor support. If you’re interested in supporting the Lord’s work in a brand new way, please prayerfully consider making a monthly donation of any amount via my blog site ^ or make a check out to Adventures in Missions with “Samantha Sky Grady” in the memo line; you can give it to me in person OR mail it to:

 

62 Grey Haven Dr.

Mills River, NC

28759

Thank you all so much for your love and support! It’s been real, folks.

-Samantha Sky