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"HOW ARE YOU FEELING ABOUT YOUR TRIP?!"
This question has come up so many times in the past few months..
Are you excited?
Are you nervous?
Are you scared?
Are you sooo ready?
Ummm… ALL OF THE ABOVE!
I don't think my heart knows how to express what I am feeling these days! First of all, I am so very, very excited! I can't believe I get to go on a crazy adventure with my best friend, get to see the world, and get to serve God's people in 11 different countries! The fact that God is allowing Colin and I, two very undeserving people, to go on this amazing trip is so beyond me! It truly is incredible and I thank our sweet Lord every day for the opportunity!
On top of that, yes, I confess… I am nervous! Being away from family and friends for 11 months is something I've never done before! Colin is much more couragous than I am and has shown nothing but excitement (at least to me because he is such a fearless leader!) But my weak human nature has caused me to feel nervous at times during this preparation process… Selling/packing/moving all of our belongings in the next few months, trying to raise about $20,000!!, getting shots and gathering gear, making sure all of our bills and affairs are in order here before we leave, figuring out how to pack in one large (but it seems oh so tiny) bag for a whole year!!, finding ways to thank each and every one of you that has contributed to our trip… It seems like there are so many to do's to accomplish before we get to actually leave! Don't get me wrong! These are all things Colin and I are excited and happy to do… but how can a couple keep it all in order everyday?? It can get a little overwhelming at times.. so yes, I am nervous I will mess up and forget something!!
And I am scared. I am scared about missing our family and friends during our time away! I am excited to get to see the world and look forward to how God is going to shape the rest of our lives by how we are changed by the people we meet… but not knowing exactly what we will be doing and where we will be sleeping and who we will be with every day.. that's scary! The unknown and uncomfortable has always terrified my Type A personality.
But God is so good and so loving and has encouraged me in tremendous ways during these past few months…The biggest way He has encouraged me, honestly, is through all of our family and friends! Your kind and passionate words of excitement, your prayers and love, your crazy generous hearts to contribute to our financial needs… You all have overwhelmed me with support in more ways than I could ever express! I know Colin would echo this.. but we cannot thank you all enough!!
We are ready to see how God is going to use this year in our lives and the lives of others. We are ready to serve others and meet people that are different than us to see God's full beauty in his creation. We are ready to see God and be in a place where we can't deny our need for Him.
It's going to be a crazy journey and I am so incredibly thankful to have all of you along for the ride! Thank you for your support and excitement. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your love!
