Not even for a moment did I doubt that getting prepared for this mission would be tough. There are so many components that go into getting prepared.
Physically:
- I have to get in physical shape to be able to keep up with all the hikes and foot travel that will be necessary. So, I started hiking at least once a week and plan to join a workout class in two weeks.
- I also have to get all the gear that is necessary for this mission, which is a long list of items. I am working on making a Wishlist for supporters to help with and if anyone has anything already that they would like to donate that would be appreciated.
- Items necessary:
- Double occupancy free-standing tent
- Footprint for tent
- Ladies sleeping bag (spoon or mummy shaped) (32 degrees or lower)
- Self-inflating sleeping pad
- Compression dry sack for the sleeping bag
- Internal frame backpack (size small, 60-80L)
- Water bottle with filter
- Sleeping bag pillow
Mentally:
- I have to prepare my mind for the known and unknown. I know that circumstances may arise to try to make me anxious or afraid because they already have. I also know there is a great unknown that awaits me. I have to make sure my mind is set on God and renewed by His word daily.
Emotionally:
- I have to let the rest of my belongings go and I will be away from family and friends without the option of going to visit, for almost a whole year. I have already been giving more stuff away and have decided I can take keep two big duffle bags of my most valued possessions.
- God has also told me to go home and spend a month with my family before I leave, to help me deal with my emotional health before I leave.
Health:
- I have to get the required vaccines for international travel and get all my health checks in order prior to leaving.
Financially:
- I have to minimize all of my financial obligations prior to leaving since I will not be employed while I am gone. So, I have been aggressively working towards becoming credit card debt-free. I am also trying to sell my 2015 Nissan Altima, it is very clean, has no problems and only has 52k miles. I don’t want a profit from it, just for someone to take over the payments and put it in their name. Contact me at [email protected] if interested. After those things are out of the way, I will just have a phone bill to worry about, which I am actively trying to save 11 months’ worth before I go.
Spiritually:
- This is one of the most important preparations that is necessary. Every day we face spiritual warfare. However, the principalities in the states are not the same as the ones you will find internationally. Most of the countries I am going to are some of the darkest in the world and in a few they openly participate in Voodoo and witchcraft. It is necessary for me to close any doors in my life that the enemy would find easy to walk in and I have to get ready for battle because the enemy is going to try me even more than he is now because of the nature of my mission. This is why I have asked people not only to support me financially but to pray for me double time.
- I am actively working on sealing any cracks, but it has been tough, and I have failed at times. I have remembered to give it to God and leave it in His hands.
Preparation isn’t always easy, but it is the most necessary part of any journey. If you are not prepared you are setting yourself up for failure. Take that extra time to get your things in line before you just jump into anything.
Please continue to pray for me as I prepare for this journey. Also, I would like to thank everyone that has already been praying for me, anyone that has sown a seed for this mission, everyone following my journey and for those of you that will! I appreciate it all more than words could express. I have reached just over $1,600 so far. I need to be at $5,000 by July 1, please consider being a blessing and sharing the word with others.
May God bless you!
