Today's the day. I am leaving the comfort of Holiday Inn and embarking on this 11-month journey around the world. It still hasn't sunk in.
Launch was surreal. I arrived on Sunday and was welcomed with a flood of information surrounding the Race. Budgets, spreadsheets, malaria medication, safety protocols, team dynamics, feedback, and more. All on top of my brain processing the fact that I won't be in America for the next 11 months. It's a lot to take in.
And yet, I'm not taking it in. I have barricaded myself from a flood of emotions, fear, excitement. I have refused to face the reality that is now waiting for me at the airport. Now, I graduated with a degree in psychology, so I know this isn't healthy – emotionally, physically, or spiritually. But the thought of facing this reality is terrifying.
It's terrifying to think that I will come back a completely transformed person.
It's terrifying to think that I will become overwhelmed with compassion. Completely broken by the broken.
It's terrifying to think of how vulnerable I will become with my squad. That they will know me more than most people.
But at the same time, it's thrilling and exciting.
It's exciting to think that I will experience joy more abundantly than I ever have before.
It's exciting to think that I will get to know God more intimately than I ever thought was possible
It's exciting to know that I will be living in true community, building true lifelong friendships.
So as I pack my bags and say final "see you later," I thank God that He loves lavishing gifts on us that bring us joy and delight. I cannot wait to turn a page on this new chapter. While I'm gone, stay in touch, send up prayers for me and my squad and the people we will encounter, and don't forget your own adventures. (You could also send some financial support too! Sorry, have to plug that in too – I'm still fundraising)
I'll have another post soon to fill you in on the amazing ministry we're working with in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala. Stay tuned!
