I made it to Georgia on September 2nd & I seriously can’t believe I’m here. The weeks leading up to my departure were filled with packing & anticipation for this next season. I still so clearly remember the day I had my interview last September, dreaming about what this season could look like. Now I’m walking in step with the people and community I’ve prayed over for so long! There’s been a LOT of growth in the past year since I began this journey – lots of changes and lessons I didn’t see coming, but the Lord has been faithful through it all.
Before I dive too deep into anything, I just want to take a moment to brag about the leadership at Adventures in Missions. Since making the decision to host 4 gap year squads for 4 months, they’ve worked endlessly to prepare for our arrival. They’ve graciously built real showers so we won’t be taking bucket showers for 3 whole months (praise the Lord!), provided delicious meals everyday, converted their office space into makeshift living spaces so we won’t be camping in the later months, provided all the materials needed for hand washing our clothes, and have done SO much work behind the scenes to prepare & make our time in GA as smooth as possible.
There are 3 other gap year squads living at the base along with my squad, but we’ll be separated for the foreseeable future. Additionally, for the first two weeks, my squad has been split into 2 groups (we call them cohorts – a word I had never heard until a week and a half ago!), for the sake of further preventing the spread of COVID. Also, with the current regulations in Georgia, we aren’t able to leave campus. So, after the first 2 weeks, I guess you could say we’ll pretty much be quarantined with our squad! Our health is monitored daily, and the campus is sanitized daily as well. I’m really grateful for all the precautionary measures taken to keep us all safe and healthy.
The past week and a half have consisted of teachings, getting to know one another, and adjusting to life here. We’re living out of tents the month of September, taking bucket showers, only using porta potties, and handwashing our clothes. Lots of new experiences! Honestly it’s been a lot more challenging than I thought. But it’s also been a beautiful experience of surrendering any expectations I came here with, as well as learning to find comfort amidst the discomfort. The community surrounding me is truly like no other. I’m excited to share more about life here & how the Lord’s moving!
ALSO – I’m over 52% funded! I still need to raise about $7,500 before I head overseas in January. And while that’s intimidating, I know it’s possible. I am beyond grateful for all of the support through prayer and donations! This would not be possible without every person who has donated – no matter how big or small!
Ways that you can continue to be a part of my journey:
-
PRAY: By far the most important. Pray that I would meet my upcoming fundraising deadlines. For my squad and I as we adjust to life here. For continued intimacy with the Lord & each other. That the Lord would make clear our paths for launching overseas in January.
-
SHARE: Share my blog with others! Invite them to become a part of my journey & what the Lord is doing here in Georgia.
-
DONATE: you can donate by 1) clicking the orange “Donate!” bar on the right hand side of my blog 2) through venmo @jennopdahl 3) by check, payable to Adventures in Missions
all the love,
jen <3
