September 13 was my last day of work at Sharp Shopper. I started that job on July 29, 2013. For four years I cashiered, bagged, stocked, cleaned, and did whatever else needed done. I was given the opportunity to work at least twice in every single department. In the time that I was there, I developed friendships with several of my coworkers. Saying goodbye was hard and I’m going to miss them.
That weekend, I sold ice cream one more time. Then on Sunday (9/17), Jess and I got to share with our church and were prayed over. The time since then has been filled with more goodbyes. I also had two more fundraisers – a bake sale on 9/23 and a yard sale on 9/30.
When I came back from training camp, I had raised $7,359. I knew I had five weeks to raise another $3,000 in order to launch with my squad. Since I had already met them and started bonding with them, I could not imagine not being able to go with them. Since the beginning of September, God has brought an additional $4,210 putting my current total at $11,569. That means I’m currently 64% funded with $6,448 left before being 100% funded.
Friday morning, I said goodbye to my siblings and headed for Atlanta, GA for a little bit more training before heading to Guatemala. The hardest moment was when I realized that I will miss an entire season of seeing my one brother playing baseball. My parents also came to GA to attend some sessions designed for them. I said goodbye to them after lunch today (Sunday). Tomorrow will be my last day in the States for several months.
I have so many emotions as I near the end of this chapter and begin the next. Most of me is ready to go but there is a small part of me that wants to stay in the familiar and ignore the longing for more. But the call is loud and clear, so I’m turning the page in faith, believing that the next chapter is going to be so much better than the ones that have come before. I will press on with praise to the God who is worthy of all honor for He is more than enough for every need.
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise.” – Isaiah 43:18-21 NIV
