Exactly one week from today I will be arriving in Atlanta, Georgia to begin my year on the World Race. These past few weeks have been filled with goodbyes and closing up my house. Saying goodbye has been interesting. For me it feels like see you later, not goodbye. I think it may hit me when I am actually on the race that I have left Asheville and life as I have known it so far.
Originally, I was not planning on starting off the school year. I thought it would be easier for myself and the students. But God has different plans and allowed me to start off the year. I was a floater and filled in wherever needed, which I loved. I was able to see all of the students I taught and that was joyful for me and for them. They were not expecting to see me so it was fun confusing them for a little bit. They have a special place in my heart. I am planning on taking a small scrapbook with pictures of my students to pray over. God gave me a place to love on kids who came from some hard places and they will forever be in my heart. He also gave me a chance to say goodbye to some awesome co-workers and even allowed me to get to know some other co-workers that I did not have a chance to know the previous year. I am grateful that God gave me a chance to say goodbye and spend some more time with them!
On my last day, my co-workers wore my WR shirt for support, signed a card for me, and gave me a basket of cards as well. Another friend made some delicious cupcakes for all of us to share!
I also spent time with some of my friends before I left Asheville. I am grateful for the time spent with them and I will miss them, but am so thankful for their support as I begin this next step. I think over this past month God showed me the people He placed in my life while I lived in Asheville. He had/has a purpose for each relationship cultivated and I was able to see that these past few weeks. He loves us so greatly and it is beautiful to see through the friendships He gives us.
One thing God has been showing me through the process of preparing for the World Race is that things will happen in His timing and not in mine. When I left for training camp my house was under contract, ideally closing on the 13th of September. When I returned home it was still going as planned, but after a septic inspection and some uneasiness things changed. I could tell this time was a test, and I passed. There were lies being said that would have made me upset and allow my emotions to rule, but God being faithful in transforming us showed me how much He has grown me over the past few years. I was able to walk through this rough patch in peace, knowing that God has something greater coming and that He wants me to trust Him in His timing. The couple ended the contract and I felt at peace with the decision. Looking back I can see how God was taking care of me; He has brought someone trustworthy to help fix the issue with the septic (being done in honesty, God is good!), and He gave me the rest of the time to leave my house in peace and to say goodbye to that chapter of my life with no time frame to be out of the house. The goodness of our Heavenly Father is so beautiful, and I love being loved and taken care of by Him. He knows what we need, more than we do!!
So I am about to leave in a week, with my house not sold. But God, My Father, says to Trust Me. And that is exactly what I am doing. He has given me a great realtor who I can trust will help guide me in the right direction and get things done here so I can focus on where HE is taking me. While all of this was going on, donations towards my trip were coming in like crazy! Confirming where He is leading me, and I am trusting that path.
Currently I am spending time with my family, and gathering last minute things to put in my pack. This Sunday my mom and I will head to Charleston for a small getaway before going to pick up my sister and heading to Atlanta! Once I arrive in Atlanta, on October 3rd, I will have a few more days of training and will fly out a few days later. I am currently unsure of the actual fly out day. That will be given to us at launch. For me it is exciting to not really know, it is great practice for living in a surrendered, trusting place. That is where God has been leading me this past year after all:)
Current fundraising amount: 14,273+ pledged amount (2,000) = 16,273
Which Means that I only need 2,927 to be fully funded!!! God has been so faithful in this and I love seeing how He has been bringing it in. What I tried to do fundraising wise, has not brought in what He has. He has been telling me that He lays it on the hearts of people to support, that it is nothing I do, but what He does.
As I prepare to leave I would love to ask prayer for the following areas:
- For my house to be sold (which He has perfect buyers in mind!) and for me to continue to trust Him in this.
- For my team as we begin this journey. We will be living close quarters for 11 months! Pray for unity and vulnerability for each of us.
- God has been teaching me a lot the past few years, and I know a time of testing is coming, especially in the areas of living close with others. Pray for humility to win and my pride to continue to diminish. I desire to be a vessel of His love, not my pride!
- For my family as I leave. I know God has something planned for each of us as I leave and I desire to pray for protection and healing for them.
Thank you for taking time to read my blog and I will write another one at launch! If you would like to keep up with my blog, you can click the subscribe button on the home page and it will send you an email when I write a new blog. If you are interested in supporting me on this trip you can click the donate tab and it will take you where you need to go.
