There is 18 days until training camp and about 80, give or take, days until Launch. Can you even believe it? I for sure can not. It all still feels like a distant dream that is like, just surreal. SO, it definitely still has not hit me that I am fixing to live out of a backpack in countries I have never been to for 9 months with strangers who will become family.
I am so excited though. I am more than ready, truly. The Lord has just been doing so many things in my life lately, and I truly feel overflowing joy in my heart. My mind has been clear, and focused. I really do just love life right now, and I feel like it is because of the things the Lord is teaching and showing me. It’s not that it’s sunshine and flowers all the time, but that I am learning to find joy in all things, in every situation, in every person. And it’s been really cool.
I have been traveling a lot recently (learning a lot about independence and life from this!), spending lots of time with friends and family, trying to soak in these moments, training physically (and mentally, I should say), and learning a lot. It’s been really cool. And in the wise words of my friend Colby, “I just wanted to remind you that although it may seem like I am not “doing” anything in this moment, I am preparing behind the scenes and doing things that have to be done to even GET on the field.” What she said is so true, too. The work that has been happening behind the scenes has been tough, but honestly, so rewarding as well. I’ve seen a lot through it all- the character of God, His faithfulness and favor, what surrendering looks like, learning what giving and receiving grace looks like…. and more, but those are just a few. And all of this to say that, like, life is really neat, and God is just so stinking cool. Sometimes it just takes you stopping for a moment to reflect on His goodness, and the things He has done in your life- good and bad. Something may seem hard and challenging, but He always brings so much beauty from every situation!
So, this is just kind of where I am at right now! A truly good and beautiful place. Having lots of feelings about the Race approaching so soon, but overall so happy and feeling optimistic about it all.
I encourage you to just take a step back and reflect. Reflect on what He has done! The unseen and seen. Think about that really hard or discouraging situation, and think of the beauty He did through it. Even the tiny moments or things that you overlooked and feel like have no meaning or purpose. Think about those happy times, and those times when you felt like true sunshine. And what made you feel true happiness in that moment. Everything is beautiful, but it’s all about the way you want to look at it. Always remember that.
I ask that you be a prayer warrior for me through this time though. Because I know times will be more tough than others, and my patience will run low at times. I just ask that you be praying that I can always receive what the Lord is trying to do in my life and what He is trying to show me, and that I can always strive to find His beauty. Everywhere I go. That you pray for my family as they are going through this time and this change. That you pray for me to be slow to anger and speak, as well as my team. And lastly, that I can allow myself grace when I feel like I am not doing enough or being enough. Thank you, with everything in me!
NOW- for fundraising! I am having my tie-dye party this Sunday, the 23rd. It will be at Wagner Park near Tech, from 12-4. Please come and go as you please! And bring $25 if you would like to tie-dye a t-shirt! But, I would seriously love for you to just stop by and hangout even if you can’t or don’t want to tie-dye. I would love to see you and chat either way! All of the proceeds will go towards getting me fully funded and I am truly excited and hopeful for this. I feel like the Lord’s going to really bless me and the people that come through this. But, I encourage you to come! It will be a lot of fun. There will also be snacks, drinks, and music! Along with a donation jar if you feel God has lead you to donate!
I have about $3,000 more to raise. I am so close, and it’s been neat to see God move in such enormous ways through fundraising.
