And though the storms may come
I am holding on
To the rock I cling
How can I keep from singing Your praise
How can I ever say enough
How amazing is Your love
How can I keep from shouting Your name
I know I am loved by the King
And it makes my heart want to sing
"How Can I Keep From Singing" by Chris Tomlin
It is really difficult for me to post a blog right now on any particular topic, because I feel like my mind is going in a thousand different directions! I wish I could have these guys right now helping me organize all my thoughts, feelings, errands, tasks, etc. before I launch in September.
But with that being said, I continue to have SOOO much to praise God for. He continues to bless both myself and my entire squad, and it's remarkable to see. Now, I am not naive and I know difficult times are ahead. I know there are times leading up to Launch and on the The World Race where I will suffer from doubt, sadness, frustration, homesickness, illness, fear, dangers, persecution, feelings of inadequacy, team conflict, fatigue, and much more. But I know I can trust in God and He will give me the strength I need. So without further rambling, here are some things I am especially grateful for and give God praise for:
- I have currently unofficially raised $13,772!!!!!!!!!! With a new travelers insurance policy that needs to be added to my fundraising amount, that leaves me with only approximately $2,518 left to support raise!!!!!! I have surpassed all my deadlines except my last deadline on February 28th, 2014 (My birthday, btw). I am trusting in God to fully fund me before I leave! Then I can focus on helping my teammates out that haven't met their deadlines yet!! Please check out their blogs that you can find on my sidebar.
- Also, there is a great opportunity for those that still want to support me. Adventures in Missions has partnered with Food for the Hungry. If you feel the call that you would love to sponsor a child, you can do so through the link on my blog and I will receive $50 towards my fundraising account! AND, if the timing and placing works out, they will work to try to get to meet the child you are sponsoring when I am in that country!!!! How amazing would that be!!!!! Let me know if you have any further questions!!!
- My launch information has been released!! Thank goodness, so I can stop the constant email checking and now focus on goodbyes and getting everything done before Launch. I leave the lovely Midwest and go to Atlanta on Friday, September 6th!!!!!!! My whole squad and I leave for Africa (EEEEKKK) on Tuesday, September 10th!!!!!
- August 16th and 17th I will be holding a fundraising garage sale at my parents house!!!! A lot of my friends have already been so amazing and have donated awesome stuff!! Let me know if you have things you would like to get rid of and I can come and take them off your hands!!!!
- As we continue to support each other in between training camp and Launch, I am falling more and more in love with my team and my squad. We have been lifting each other up ever since we have met. I have truly been shown the love of Jesus through these people, and am so grateful. I am so excited to see what God is going to do through every single one of us in the months ahead.
35 Days and Counting…
