It has been exactly one week since I left the comforts of my home in Raleigh, North Carolina to embark on the World Race. After 8 grueling, hardworking months of planning, praying, and preparing it was finally time. I eagerly skipped out of my house saying a light hearted see ya later to my plush pillows, cozy comforters, warm water, full fridges, exploding closets, and chilling air conditioning. I gave my millionth hug to my loved ones, memorizing their smiles and laughter and soaking in every ounce of love they had to give.
The week following has been a rapidly uphill incline of adventure oozing with joy, giggles, heartwarming conversations, and the treasures of the Lord’s character. I have sang, screamed, cried, laughed to the brink of peeing my pants, and fallen in love with Quito, Ecuador and the 50 goofballs I will call home and family for the next nine months. I am grateful.
As a gal who loves every ounce of her momma, I have always gifted her trinkets inscribed with “home is where your mom is”. Aw, tender. (Also, dad if you’re reading I adore you a million times a billion as well.) Though this will always remain true, I have been delighted to discover home also is right where my squad is. On the grimy grounds of airports, in hotel rooms, wet, cold tents, and now in the mountains of the beautiful city of Quito, Ecuador.
V Squad, the name of my travel and ministry partners on this race around the world is a compilation of selfless, loving, grateful, talented, hilarious boys and girls handpicked by the Lord. They are quick to encourage and slow to complain. Every conversation creates new inside jokes, connections, and the confidence that these are most definitely my people. I am thankful.
Mornings begin waking up surrounded by my wonderful team of eight miraculous ladies. Each one of us brings a different aspect to the table, traits so intentionally chosen by a gracious, great God. Named team abundance, we are passionate about striving after the abundant life we’re so blessed to receive. I don’t think I could get along better with another group of people.
Our full, fun days spent in humble servitude and amazing community come to an end with voices flowing together in a sea of praise for the miracles we experience and the grace of the Lord. The sun sets as we share each others stories, passions, memories, and testimonies, celebrating our differences, similarities, and the work of the Lord in each of our lives. The moon rises with multitudes of laughter, ranging from cackles, giggles, to even the lucky few snorts.
I am so stoked and grateful to have this squad by my side during the highest and lowest moments the next nine months will hold. For any of my squad members reading, I adore you and so thankful for you. For any friends and family, I encourage you to take the risk to search for a rich, loving community like my squad.
Thank you to my supporters, who generously donated to get me to where I am. I am so blessed to able to serve and love these countries and people well over the next nine months.
I am still thousands away from reaching my final fundraising goal. I have enormous faith that the Lord will provide and am so excited to see how He will work in others to make that happen. Please consider supporting me, your prayers and donations are such a blessing and completely awe inspiring.
Blessings, many thanks, and all my love.
