37lbs added to my back and a pack for my front and I am off Saturday morning to Atlanta for some final training sessions at our launch. Gathering items all week and getting all my ducks in a row has been stressful but I can now say I am packed and ready to meet up with my squad to head to our first stop…El Salvador! I am so excited for what is coming next yet goodbyes are never easy. I have been overwhelmed with all the love and encouragement I have received as I have been saying bye to friends and family the past couple of weeks. From surprise parties, all my favorite foods, multiple coffee dates and quality time I have made such good memories to take with me over the next year.
Just a glimpse of some of the farewells…
Icing on the cake: I have the honor to see my childhood friend tie the knot hours before my plane departs. Yes, I know I am cutting it close and you are probably thinking I am crazy for being in a wedding the night before departing for a year but I look at it as the ultimate send off. Let’s be honest, I probably wouldn’t have slept much anyways so why not spend it celebrating it with a lifelong friend on one of the most treasured events in her life?! God’s timing is perfect and am grateful for His provision in this planning; let’s make it a night to remember Kenzie & Trevor! Cheers to friendships, celebrating with established and creating new ones.
“Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art… It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival.”
C.S.Lewis
I have all the emotions running rampant as this is becoming real…excitement, anxiousness, nerves, stress and eagerness. I keep going back to my Heavenly Father and His encouraging words:
“Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.”
Luke 12:32
“For God has not give us a spirit of fear,
But of power and love and of a sound mind.”
2 Timothy 1:7
