“Father we thank thee for the night, for the pleasant morning light. For Rest, and Food, and loving care, and all that makes the world so fair. Help us to do the things we should, to be to others, kind and good. In all we do, and all we say, to be more loving day by day.”
This is the family prayer that we pray, every time we are together as a family, gathered for a meal. This weekend I was first surprised by my grandparents. I was working at the burger place I work at, and they walked up to the register. I was then surprised by my brothers. I was only expecting one, then I got a call by my mom, “Are you awake?… Is anyone else up?… Are you still in your room?… Okay, look out the window.” I did and my brothers car was parked on the street. We put up a christmas tree, decorated it, and my mom and I danced to ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’. I was then showered with gifts from my whole family, don’t worry, they were all of the things that I needed in order to leave for my trip. Then, tonight, we held a Thanksmas dinner. Nini and I kept tradition and cooked the turkey. There was my favorite, honey baked ham. We gathered, sat around a table, and joined in prayer. This will be the last time until next year, that I say this prayer, hand in hand with my family. After dinner we had a cake in celebration of my 20th birthday(which isn’t actually until March…). I just had thoughts of “Wait, what? I’m going to be 20? Thats kind of old, that is a legitimate adult age.”
This last weekend, I was given another huge surprise, as my two best friends in the whole world flew from Michigan to North Carolina to spend the weekend with me. We did what all best friends do, and we talked about all of our problems, went to a concert (Tobymac and Chris Tomlin got LIT), we topped of the weekend by crossing something off of my bucket list and went paddle boarding. It has been amazing to see most of the people that I love and cherish, and my heart is full after seeing them all, though I wish that I could’ve seen more people.
I tell you of these happy times, because they were happy and they filled me with encouragement and joy. But the weeks after training camp were sometimes boring and hard.
Once I got to Charlotte, I was excited and thrilled to have the opportunity to spend 6 weeks with the best parents in the world, and it was priceless. At the same time, I was filled with loneliness. I had two jobs, averaged about 60 hours a week between the two. I knew no one besides my parents, worked with my coworkers, and I joined a group at my church that gave me some outside connection. Still, I was longing for my friends in Michigan, my World Race team and squad, and longing for the connection that God and I had at training camp and the few weeks after.
I went through periods of temptation. I also had (and still have) crazy mixed feelings about leaving. I had meltdowns, periods of overwhelming excitement, arguments with God if this was REALLY what he wanted me to do. I can’t seem to understand how long 9 months really is…..I won’t be home until July 2017!!
So, I leave for launch, and ultimately the mission field, on Sunday. I’m sad about all of the things that I am leaving behind. I am torn over the fact i won’t be able to hold hands with my family, joined in prayer. I am at peace that I am safe in God’s will. I am excited to travel the world. I am blessed that I have this opportunity to serve, help, and love the people of Ecuador, India, and Zambia. I am interested to see the transformation that occurs in me throughout these 9 months.
This is really happening. I am going to be getting on a plane and I am going to travel the world to do Gods work. Thanks to you, my supporters. I know that God provides, and he really has. I am blessed to see where I have come in fundraising, I am honored whenever someone tells me they are praying for me. Thank you for the constant encouragement, and overwhelming support.
I still need $1900 until I’m fully funded, though, but I have faith that it will come through.
Goodbye for now, I’ll talk to you once I’m in Ecuador….
