Hi all!!
I have been here in Gainesville, Georgia for about a week now, and wow what I have learned! Every day we have had teachings about ultimately how to be better people through the Lord and how to connect with Him. It has been amazing to see how this community and program has changed me for the better already. I have really had time to evaluate my life and my relationship with God to see what I want for the future. I can’t wait to see what the rest of my three months here holds! Here are some other updates:
Lifestyle
This week has been a big change in my lifestyle. I went from living in the same room my whole life to living in a two-person tent in the woods! I have also been taking bucket showers and only using porta-potties. It has been crazy to have this much change, but I am loving it and have adapted well!
Fundraising
Not counting the money my family put in the meet the deadlines, I have fundraised a little more than $2,000!! I am so blessed to have so many people who generously donated to my gap year! However, being here has really made me realize I can’t do this and go this without help. If you have any more support to give, I would love to have you come alongside me on this journey and help me eventually become fully funded! There is an option to be a monthly donar, and that would be a HUGE help if that’s something you’d like to do!
Faith
Wow, God is so good. I have seen my faith grow more this week than I have in my whole life, which is insane to think about. Being surrounded by these people who are so kind, loving, accepting, and understanding has made me feel so comfortable coming here as myself and so excited to grow my relationship with God. The leadership here is out of this world and really are angels God sent into my life. I have been learning so much on how to be more like Jesus and how to be the disciple He calls me to be.
The Fitness Hike
Last Sunday we had to run 2.2 miles with our 40-pound backpack on…..in 38 minutes. It was sooooo hard. There were a ton of hills and running through the woods; it was one of the hardest things I’ve done in my life. However, I honestly think running the mile for volleyball was harder, and here’s why. I went into this hike with a positive attitude and my team and I was encouraging each other the whole way. Having that constant encouragement and team helped so much. On top of that, we were smiling the whole time while our legs were dying and sweat was dripping everywhere. At the end I was really shown how having support and a positive attitude can change everything. I am very thankful for everyone on my team and the leadership that was there that day to help.
I am now able to receive mail here!! This is the address:
Jodi Owens
2613 Windward Ln
Gainesville, GA 30501
It is very important that you put the name Jodi Owens in the address, not my name. You can either write my name on the back, or you can but an envelope with my name on it inside a bigger envelope with the address above. I am not allowed to receive packages, though, only letters!
In conclusion, I have a ton to be thankful for in my life and a lot to look forward to over these next few months. It has been a big change and hard to wrap my mind around, but I know all of this is for the better and this will make me the person I want to become. I will be praying for all of you and stay updated for more to come!!
