Hey Dad,
So this month we’re here in Montenegro. It’s beautiful. But after spending the last 6 months in pretty warm places, I’m freezing here! It’s really hard to get warm. But I’m thankful for electricity and fires. Also for that cozy, warm sleeping bag that Mom bought me for the Race. I wasn’t sure if I would ever use that thing, but it’s definitely come in handy over the last couple months.
We also went clothing shopping when we got here…because the girls on the team definitely were not prepared. So we’ve each gotten a sweater or two and a pair of pants.

Anyway, my last months in Africa were full–full of The Lord moving and working in ways that I wasn’t expecting Him to. In the middle of January, He asked me to walk with Him through a season of fasting. He wasn’t exactly clear as to what He was going to show me, but He said that He would be with me every step of the way. And He was. I walked through 40 days of fasting from lunch and dinner. Some days were easier than others. But most of all I learned how to fully trust and depend on Him through it all. He kept me focused. And He showed me new things as I followed Him on that path.
Dad, it was one of the coolest seasons that I’ve done before. I was literally spending most of my day with The Lord, just cooking in the kitchen with Him. And I knew He was delighting in the time I was spending with Him. I could feel His love and delight in me through the Spirit.

I finished my fast a couple days ago. And I’m thankful, but I’m also excited to see what’s next. How will He keep speaking to me about my future and about my life right now?

One of the things I was fasting for was continued freedom from fear of what other people think of me. And I think He has broken those bonds. I keep feeling like I’m just stepping into my identity more and more. I am a beloved child of the Most High, and He reminds me of that every single day. One of His favorite names He calls me is “Little One.”

So we’ve been plunged into a new culture, and a new climate.
But I’m honestly loving it here so far. The people are a little shy and closed off. But I have heard that they’re willing to get to know you.
More than anything, I love the church family we’re a part of. We went to a prayer meeting on Wednesday, and I just felt so at home with all of them. I felt The Lord uniting our hearts in purpose and vision as we were praying. It’s pretty awesome.

I do still miss you. But my heart is continuing to heal.
I love you so much.