I leave in less than 2 weeks.
Woah.
So soon – the time is flying! As I am preparing to leave on this journey with God, I'm thinking about so many things: what I still need, saying goodbye to family and friends, what I'm giving for Christmas, finances, fundraising, if my phone will make it 2 weeks, taking as many hot showers as possible, eating Christmas cookies, etc.
Some moments can be overwhelming. It's surreal to believe it is really almost time to leave. And that I have to pack a year's worth of stuff in a backpack.
While celebrating Christmas, I watched one of my favorite movies, "The Sound of Music", with my grandmother. Many parts of the story struck me and encouraged me. Leaving for the Race, I feel like Maria leaving the Abbey for the Von Trapp's.
This is what she sings:
I Have Confidence
What will this day be like? I wonder.
What will my future be? I wonder.
It could be so exciting to be out in the world, to be free
My heart should be wildly rejoicing
Oh, what's the matter with me?
I've always longed for adventure
To do the things I've never dared
And here I'm facing adventure
Then why am I so scared?
Oh, I must stop these doubts, all these worries
If I don't I just know I'll turn back
I must dream of the things I am seeking
I am seeking the courage I lack
The courage to serve them with reliance
Face my mistakes without defiance…
So, let them bring on all their problems
I'll do better than my best
I have confidence they'll put me to the test
But I'll make them see I have confidence in me!
I cannot claim much confidence in myself, though, to leave for the Race. The only person I do feel confident in is Jesus, and that is a beautiful thing.
I AM confident that I won't make it through the first week in Guatemala if I don't rely on Him. He is my hope and strength – He's going to give me "courage I lack", as Maria says.
So, let's plunge ahead with confidence that Jesus is going to show up!
Guatemala, here we come!
Financial update:
Thanks to the AMAZING, incredible, sacrificial generosity of several friends and family members, I have met my December goal of 50% funded!
This means I can launch with my team on time! Thank you so much for your support and generosity – I will never be able to adequately tell you what it means to me.
My next deadline is in March (3rd out of 4). I still have about $7000 more to raise in total, so if you feel led to give, please click on the "support me" link on the left to donate!
