‘Twas the night before Launch, when all things are packed.
Sermons and Music uploaded to my computer – check, let’s hope it doesn’t get hijacked.
Goodbyes and letters well on their way.
Although I am excited, this is a very sad day.
But, oh, the joy that will come when I get to reunite
With the men and women I will be serving alongside spreading God’s light.
I cannot believe the day is finally here! Tomorrow (January 5) I am off to Atlanta, GA for a 4 day launch, and will officially be on the RACE! It seems as if I have been preparing for this day for months and months and now it is right in front of me. I’ve had an amazing time fundraising, meeting new friends, and saying my “see you later” to old ones. It has been such a blessing to be able to move back to Rochester and spend the remaining month before launch with my family and loved ones. I cannot thank them enough for all of the support they have given me since I said “yes” to the World Race in July. I just wanted to take time to thank EVERYONE for your prayers, financial support, kind words, and encouragement. I know this is what The Lord is calling me to do, but it helps tremendously to have such loving and king friends.
A special note:
Mom, Dad & David: I love you guys so so much and could not be more thankful for you as my parents and big brother. I know this year is going to have its ups and downs but hold fast to the truth that I will be praying for you, thinking of you, and missing you daily. Though I will be thousands of miles away, I can assure you I will be safe in His arms.
So am I ready? I don’t think I can ever fully be “ready” to embark on a life-changing journey. But that’s just it. I can only prepare as much as humanly possible and the rest is up to God. As of now, I am going to walk forth boldly and with much courage knowing that Jesus is right here with me. I have the physical means to be prepared for this year, but the transformation isn’t going to come from that. It is going to happen in unimaginable ways through His divine plans for each and every one of us. I can’t wait to grow closer to my Maker and be able to see a glimpse of the world through His eyes. To be able to hug, love, dance and play with orphans who have not known this kind of intimacy. To take a walk with an elderly person and hear her wisdom. To become culturally immersed with each city and town and forgo my own selfish desires. To share food with the hungry and spend time amongst the homeless. Most importantly, to share Jesus not only through words, but through actions.
Here I am Lord, as ready as I can be. I am yours for the taking to use as a vessel and fill me up with Your love. In all things I do, I want to glorify Your Holiness and goodness so others can come to know You. I trust that You are with me wherever I go to the ends of this Earth. Since You have called me to go among the Nations and be the hands and feet of Jesus, I have faith that You are going to change my heart from any misguided desires and the hearts of many. This is what I long for: to do Your work no matter how difficult or tiring, so that others may receive healing and redemption.
*Be looking out (or SUBSCRIBE) to new weekly blog posts when I am out on the field! God Bless!
