PRE BLOG POST WARNING (don’t worry it’s not bad)
The song “The Way” by Pat Barrett has been on my heart lately leading up to the days of launch and during launch, so the outline of this blog will be based on the lyrics of this song! I REALLY hope you like the song and if you don’t… you should. And if you STILL don’t, then read it for the juju!!
Through every battle, through every heartbreak, through every circumstance…
Through every blessing, through every promise, through every breath I take…
Leaving home was not an easy task. Although there were not tears of sadness but tears of joy and thankfulness for the support system I have at home. For the church that has backed me up every step of the way. For the friends that pushed me to become a stronger and more faithful woman of God. To all the people that wiped my tears and continued to push me into the path the Lord was leading me and confirming me in this calling. Despite all this, leaving home was not the easiest moment of the last few days.
I believe that You are my fortress, You are my portion, You are my hiding place…
I believe that You are provider, You are protector, You are the one I love…
When the homesickness creeps in or things on the race get difficult, I know I can run to the greatest Father of all. That He is my impenetrable protector. Although for some it has been hard to run the race and put all trust in God, I can’t help but rest in the fact that if God, my Heavenly Father, called me and sent me on this journey, I know He is going to protect me and care for me every step of the way. He has already run the race for me, I just have to follow in His steps. Part of the reason I am going on this trip is because I LOVE the Lord. He has done so much for me in my life and in my short relationship with Him that I want other people to feel that fire for Him. What a privilege it is to talk to people about Jesus! He gave us His story to tell thus making us a part of His story all to give Him glory!
It’s a new horizon, and I’m set on You. You meet me here today, with mercies that are new. All my fears and doubts, they can all come too. But they can’t stay long…
In the new countries I am going to, I am literally going to see new horizons. But this is a journey of new horizons. The Lord will be revealing things about myself that I have never noticed before. He will be working in me and I am open and ready for that change and that work to be done on me. I know that in this next season, I have to set my sights on the Lord above, not the things of this earth. His light illuminates the horizon of the future showing me all He has to offer. When I stepped onto the plane to come to Atlanta, GA for launch, I was stepping out of my comfort zone and into God’s. I felt a transition from my family’s home to my home walking in the Lord’s kingdom since I will be moving around and transitioning so much. In this transition, the Lord met me with new mercies. What I think is SUPER cool, is that the Lord calls me to come to Him, and says “your fears and doubts can come with you.” Because He knows that He can calm those fears and bring answers to all the doubts in our minds. Because for every “what if” I have, God has a “GUESS WHAT!”
I believe You are THE Way, THE Truth, and The Life!
As I embark on this journey, I know that the Lord is The Way, The Truth, and The Life. He will guide the Way. He will reveal the truth to me when I am confused or lost. He is the life and this next year will be a step into full surrender and open hearts for a new life with Jesus! To the nations I go!
At this point, if you HAVEN”T listened to this song yet… DO IT!!
I’ve even been SO KIND (sarcasm 😉 to give you the link! Ah yes the gift of giving!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOzsJlk8p6I
Sending lots of love and hugs!
Hannah Upkes
PS. Feel free to reach via email [email protected] for any further question or chats or updates or prayer requests you want to send my way!
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Travel Update
Although launch began on September 5th, we depart from Atlanta on Monday September 9th!
So basically the next time you hear from me on this platform I’ll be in Swaziland!
Fundraising Update
I am currently $4,647 away from being Fully Funded!! So many thanks to all who have donated this far! You can donate directly on this blog by scrolling up and pressing the “donate” button! Thank you for partnering with me and becoming a part of this journey and sending me to the nations!
