It seems like it was only months ago that I was riding on a bus from Gabs, Botswana to Jo’Burg, South Africa filling out my application for the race. Well the realization of how close we are to launch has finally set in. 17 days from this moment I will be sitting down to finish up the last leg of training prior to leaving the states for the next eleven months. To update everyone on this summer and fall I would like to share a few highlighted moments. Over the course of the summer I continued to live in Russellville, Arkansas and participated in a summer discipleship project out there. It was an absolutely incredible summer, that looking back on I will forever be grateful for. God used the summer to continue to expand my perspectives of the church and what it means to love and respect one another, despite differentiating stances on particular issues. Throughout the summer we lived at the church and focused on allowing our relationship with Christ to thrive. God also reintroduced me to what it means to live in close community and how if done correctly we can sharpen one another and grow through each other. This fall I moved back home to Athens until we head to Atlanta for launch. The feeling of being home has never felt so much different to me before. It many ways it is incredible and great to see so many faces again, however, it also brings comfort in knowing that I am following the path that God has laid down before me. August 10 through the 20 was our training camp in Gainesville, Georgia where we were able to finally unite as a squad and really get to know each other for the first time. Words cannot even begin to express how wonderful those 10 days were nor how prevalently God was at work in preparing us for the upcoming journey. We left training camp having made new lifelong friendships with memories that will be cherished for a lifetime, yet, they haven’t even made a dent compared to what is to come. As I approach these last three weeks, I have made it my goal to take the time to be present in the here and now, and savor this time I have while it is here. This journey has been life changing and I am thrilled to know it hasn’t even really begun. I would like to thank all of those who have made this opportunity possible because without your support this would not be feasible. I am currently $1,640 away from meeting my next financial deadline, and ask that you would consider partnering with me whether that be through financial contribution or prayer. Feel free to contact me with any questions, I always enjoy discussing this exciting adventure!
