This is How My Year Began…..

On New Year’s Eve I flew back home to Maryland after spending a week with my family and friends in Massachusetts.  It been had a really good visit- lots of laughter, sleep, marathons of the tv show Community (hilarious), and quality time with quality people.  But, when I got back to Maryland I was tired, sad, confused, overwhelmed, and slightly afraid.  The reality of how soon I would be leaving to Squad Lead was finally hitting me and I was feeling for members of my family going through a hard time. 

The night of January 1, 2012, I finally broke.  I shared my heart with the members of my I-Squad family who had come to visit for the New Year.  I cried.  ALOT.  11 people gathered around me and prayed for me, wept with me, encouraged me and loved me.  ALOT.  I felt so much release from everything I had been carrying and I finally felt peace. 

When I woke up the next morning the only thought I had was “I am so blessed.”  In my moment of brokenness, 11 people were able to surround me and lift me up.  They loved me and fought for me.  And I know they would do it again.  I am so blessed to have this community who represents Christ to me time and time again.  I am so blessed to see more clearly who God is because of the people He has placed in my life.  That is what community is- drawing each other closer to Christ.  I am blessed to have started 2012 like this!  Surrounded by those I love, because of Christ.  If this is how the year is starting, I can’t wait to see where it leads.

I leave for the World Race, Round 2 in less 24 hours.  As I sat here trying to decide what to say all I could think of was “I am so blessed.”  That is why I am Squad Leading, why I am heading out on the World Race again- because I have been so profoundly blessed by those who love me.  I have experience Christ centered community and it has changed me.  God has used it to transform me in ways I probably don’t even realize yet.  I am going out again because of the people I met on I-Squad.  I know we weren’t (aren’t) perfect, I know there were some extremely hard things we walked through together, but I have never felt so loved by any other group of people before in my life.  I want to see others experience this.  And I get too!  I get be part of another amazing group of people who are chasing after God!  I get to love and be loved on by another community.  I am blessed.  I am reminded of Psalm 133:

Support Update:  I need less then $2,000 to be fully funded!  YAY!  Please prayerfully consider supporting me on this journey, whether in a one-time or monthly donation.  You can donate by clicking on the Support Me link on the left.  Also, if you would like to mail a check, please make it out to Adventures in Missions and send it to: Adventures in Missions, PO BOX 534470, Atlanta, GA 30353-4470.  Please write Appealed by: OlsenHannah in the memo line.  I really need your help on this.  Be praying for financial favor in my life and please consider donating, even $5.00.  Even $1.00.  Honestly, ANY amount helps.  I need $1,900 more!  I know God’s got it!
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