It’s finally here! I am officially in route to Swaziland, Africa and couldn’t be more excited for what the Lord has in store. The past week has been one of the most difficult weeks in this whole process. I said goodbye to my loved ones and to my home. I said goodbye to routine and comfort. I said goodbye to my sweet dog and comfy bed. Leading up to saying goodbye, my prayer was that the Lord would fill me with strength in the process; supernatural strength. And He did just that. As I hugged my sisters and mom goodbye at the security gates expecting to be overcome with sadness, the Lord overcame me with complete peace and strength. Something I could not have obtained on my own. It was all the Lord’s doing. I walked into the security checkpoint overwhelmed with peace and the Lord’s presence, and I did not understand it. I expected this moment to hurt much more than it did. (Not saying I won’t miss my dear family) But I think the Lord wanted to remind me that it wasn’t a sad goodbye, but instead a happy one. These next 9 months are not only going to be growth in my own life but also in my family as well. Those are great things! From here on out the Lord has been filling me with joy and excitement for what is to come. He is reminding me that He has such a great purpose for me, and if I am obedient (even in the hard things) I will grow so much deeper than I could’ve ever imagined.
I love the verse Matthew 19:29 – “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.”
Following Jesus is sacrifice. It’s surrendering everything to Him and giving Him the reigns in our lives. And it looks different for each of us. Sometimes it starts with baby steps, and leads into taking larger steps of surrender. I have learned the beauty of giving up ourselves for one another, just as Jesus did for us. We are called to love, and in that comes sacrifice. These next 9 months comes with a lot of sacrifice, but I know that the Lord will bless it. He is faithful to.
The Lord has already been blessing me with a second family. Brothers and sisters who wholeheartedly love the Lord. Each and every person on my squad has been handpicked by God, and placed into this journey for a specific purpose. The Lord is already providing so much comfort and joy through my squad mates and I couldn’t be more excited for what He has in store for these relationships.. BIG things people, BIG things!
Anyways, thank you for following my journey, it is going to be a challenge that I am so ready and excited for! Today we are in Boston for a 14 hour layover and our next stop is Qatar, where we have an 8 hour layover. Finally we land in Johannesburg, South Africa and make the final 4 hour trek to Swaziland! Continue to keep us in your prayers as we travel and reach our final destination! Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers! May the journey begin!!
