With Thanksgiving coming, I have been reflecting on how thankful I am to be here- on the Race. The Lord has worked through so many people in my life, and I wouldn’t be here without so many of you. So, I wanted to thank you for the support you have shown me.
Mom:
I am so thankful for all you do for me. You listen to me as I process anything and everything, you encourage me and lift me up, and you give me so much grace when I fail to do my dirty dishes or when I am tired and cranky. You send me Scripture that encourages me and you always answer my phone calls. Thanks for being more than just an amazing mom, thanks for being my friend.
Dad:
Thank you for the ways you have encouraged me in all that I do. No matter where I go or what I do you always respond with, “That is awesome honey!”. You are always excited for me and help me to chase my dreams. I am so thankful for all the support you have given me, ever since I was a little girl.
Grandma LaVay:
Grandma, even though you were very nervous about me going you have still supported me. You have encouraged me on this journey and I am so thankful. You are such an amazing woman and I miss you lots!
Mylene:
You’re such a big part of me going on the Race. You always call me out and point me back to Jesus, and you kept me accountable in actually applying for the Race. You taught me so much in just 9 months of living together. You became like a sister to me and I am so thankful for you. Thank you for always being there to listen and for always loving me well. Long live the Toaster!
G&G Pierson:
Both of you encourage me so much spiritually and I am so blessed to have you as my grandparents. Your prayers are so valuable to me, and I love you both dearly. Thanks for supporting me throughout the years and loving me. I love you both!
Daniel:
We have grown so close over the last year, and I miss you so much. You ask such good questions and are so loving. You always protect and encourage me, and I am so thankful I have you as my brother. Love you Danny!
The Berry Girls:
When I first felt the Lord calling me to lay down my plans, including living with you guys, I was so upset. I remember being so honest with you all and crying in that coffee shop in Leadville, and I remember how supportive, gracious, and loving you guys were to me. You have supported me since day one, and I am so thankful for each and every one of you. Knowing that I always have a place in your home means so much to me. Miranda, Mary May, Emma Lou, Nika, and Lauren, I am forever thankful for your friendship and love. I love you all so much!
Abby M:
You have supported me since sophomore year of high school. You are such a joy, and I know that we will always have each other. Thanks for being someone I can always call or visit, knowing that each time we see each other will be full of joy and fun. Can’t wait for more midnight kayak rides this summer!
Darla:
I am so blessed to have you in my corner praying over me. Thank you for supporting me and praying for me as I am on this journey. You are so intentional and I know I can always learn something from our conversations. Love you!
Ghiradelli Small Group:
You guys are such a blessing. When we went to CA, I was really unsure about my decision to go on the Race. You all were so supportive of me and you brought so much peace over my decision. You uplifted me, and each of you taught me something new about the Lord and his word. I can’t thank you enough for that week on the beach.
Frontier Summer Staff Friends:
Wow you guys are so incredible. One night that sticks out to me so vividly from our month was when a bunch of us girls- Rachel, Murphy, Abby D, Abby H, Erin R (I know I am probably forgetting someone-sorry!) sat on the floor around a bed and talked about the Race. You guys were so supportive and asked me questions and let me process all the feelings I was experiencing. You let me talk about how nervous I was and how the Lord called me here. It was so incredible. Not only did so many of you talk to me about the Race throughout the month, but you all supported me financially to help get me here! I felt so loved the night of the paper plate awards, and when you guys prayed for me I felt so much peace wash over me. You all taught me so much about hard work and loving on teens so well, and I am so thankful for all 50 of you. So many of you still reach out and I am so thankful.
Abby & Chris:
Spending a whole month at the FR pool with you was so good. Both of you taught me so much about what a servant’s heart really looks like, and you taught me so much about grace through the ways you loved on campers. I miss you both so much, and will never forget that month and all the toes, sunburn, and intentional conversations.
Shawn:
Thanks for being an amazing big brother and always taking the time to hangout with me. Even though you make fun of me, I know that you always support me at the end of the day. Love you.
Frontier WC Friends:
You guys are so sweet. So many of you were so kind to me and donated to help me get here. All of you loved me so well, and you taught me so much about perseverance through the way you served the campers. On days when the Race is hard, I think back to you guys running around the dining hall, cleaning our bathrooms, or moving gravel for the twentieth time and I remember how rewarding Kingdom work is. Thanks for teaching me so much and being such sweet friends.
Ghiradelli Small Group:
You guys are such a blessing. When we went to CA, I was really unsure about my decision to go on the Race. You all were so supportive of me and you brought so much peace over my decision. You uplifted me, and each of you taught me something new about the Lord and his word. Even though it was only a week, I think about our time together often. I can’t thank you enough for our time on the beach- or the mattress store parking lot.
Candice:
Thank you so much for being such an amazing example for me. You live with such faith and grace, and I am so inspired by you. Thank you for all your support and love. Love you always sis!
Underwood, MN:
So many of you from Underwood have been so supportive. From supporting me financially, to giving encouraging words, to supporting my bake sale and garage sale, I am so blessed to have such a sweet little community behind me. I am so thankful for so many wonderful people in Underwood- the amazing teachers I had, my friends at FSB, and my sweet friends from high school.
Paul, Heather, & Anthony:
You guys always encourage me and I appreciate it so much. I am so thankful for your prayers and support over not only the last few months, but ever since I was a baby. Miss you guys!
All in all, I am so thankful for all the amazing people in my life who have taught me more about the Lord or influenced me in some way. Whether you were in my life for a season, or are still in my life today, you are such a blessing. There are so many people that helped get me here that I am so thankful for, and this list could go on forever.
UPDATE:
After 9 days of travel, my team and I are currently in Iquitos, Peru! We are staying here until we leave tomorrow morning to head down the Amazon River to live in the jungle for 16 days! We will leave right outside a town called Nauta. There, we will be evangelizing in local towns and villages and getting to know the people there. While this is all out of my comfort zone, I am so excited to see what the jungle has in store for us. Please be praying for safety, health, and boldness in sharing the Gospel.
