What country will you be in first and how long?
The first country I will go to is….. South Africa! We found out at training camp that for the first month in South Africa, we will be in Jeffrey’s Bay, SA. A surf town on the coast! We will be there, and in each country, for 3 months each. And with that being said, I am not sure if I’ll stay in JBay all 3 months, or if I’ll move to Johannesburg, or what the last 2 months will look like.
How did you raise the funds?
Truly, the only answer I have for this question is GOD. That man really shows up! I’ve been praying for this for about 3 years now, and He just continuously provides for His children.
I did a whole bunch of different fundraisers, like: Threads of Hope, making and selling candles, sending out support letters and monthly updates, photoshoots (lots of them), two garage sales, I sold t-shirts and a sweatshirt, and just random things. I really have no idea how I have gotten this far, but dang, how I have witnessed the Lord’s favor and Love for me!
What are you most excited about?
SO much. I have no set answer to this one. There’s just so many reasons to be excited (although I am nervous, excitement outweighs it all). Excited to experience South African culture, to meet the beautiful people there, to get to love on them and see smiling, lit up faces. Excited for the new friendships, with my squad and with the locals. Excited to see the Lord move, in and around me. So much growth is going to take place, I just know it!
Do you know where you’ll be staying?
More than likely, my team and I will be staying at the bases Adventures in Missions has. If not the base, it could be hostels, or host homes. Just depends!
What does ministry look like there?
We won’t know what ministry will be until arrival. They base ministry off what is most needed at the time we are there, so the ministry could look different pretty often, and will vary with team!
Potentially teaching the locals English, or the Bible, working in VBS, painting, hanging out with sweet kiddos, who knows!
How are you feeling about leaving?
Goodness. A lot of emotions. The two main emotions I am experiencing are excitement + nervousness. Which both are completely normal. I am more excited than I am nervous, but every now and then, these little bits of nerves pop up and make me have a little freak out, but a few minutes later, all is well again. 🙂 Lots of big changes are happening, and about to happen, and I am really just trying to embrace it all!
Will you have your cell phone?
I have gotten this question lots– yes! I will have my phone. However, for the first month, we are taking a “phone detox” as a squad, in helping us transition from being gone, and learning to not be so wrapped up in the things back home! But, when I do have it, it’ll all depend on if I have Wifi/service for me to be able to use it!
Will I be able to talk to you while you’re gone?
Of course! Goes along with the previous question. It all just depends on the Wifi situation, and whatnot. But I will be able to message people, Facetime, and whatever else!
Are you taking your camera and going to continue photography?
I have been debating this one for the longest time now. I literally cannot decide. Torn between feeling like I might be too wrapped up in taking photos and not being present, and then feeling like I am going to regret not being able to document the people and places I encounter. SO, it’s still up in the air!
Will you be blogging?
Yes, they require us/recommend we post a blog once a week. That way we can keep our friends and family updated, along with getting to share my stories and experiences, and getting to use it as a way of sharing Jesus!
Will you be with your squad all 9 months?
No, I will be with my team all 9 months. However, I will be with my squad the first month in JBay, and potentially all 3 months in SA. And then again, in Ecuador. But, other than that, more than likely no, but again, none of us really know! So, this is also up in the air.
What’s the difference between a team and a squad?
My squad are the 30 or so people that will all be going to South Africa, Ecuador, and Cambodia. My team are the 6 individuals that I’ll be with consistently, the ones I will be doing ministry with. So, within my squad, all teams do different ministry days, and some teams may be in Jbay, while others in Johannesburg, but while all still together in South Africa. It’s a bit confusing, I know! But, my team: you can find those sweet girls on the side there! Go ahead and subscribe to their blog as well, as they will be the ones doing life with me all 9 months! (Poor ladies, lol;p)
What have you been doing to prepare your heart before you take off?
I have literally just been asking the Lord to prepare my heart and mind! Simply, and literally. He knows me best, and He knows what to do. I’ve continued doing my daily routines, like reading the Word/journaling! I’ve been surrounding myself with God-fearing individuals who are so good for my soul. But, nothing dramatic, or anything. Just asking the Lord to get me where I need to be.
