WOW. Only ten days until I leave home for this amazing, yet nerve-wracking journey. I cannot tell you how excited I am. But, I’m also super nervous. Obviously.
I’ll be away from home- from everything and everyone I know- my dogs (who might as well be my children), my mom, my church, my friends/family, my comfort, for three months. This may not be that big of a deal compared to the 11 month World Race, but coming from someone who doesn’t even like to spend the night away from home- it’s a lot.
But I’m ready because He said I am.
I’m working on getting all my last minute stuff done. I have several lists going with things like:
- call the bank to let them know you’ll be using your card overseas
- print insurance info
- clean out car, bathroom, room
- laundry
- pack
- prepare for homesickness
Okay, that last one isn’t actually on my list, but it is something I’m trying to figure out what I’ll do when it happens.
There’s a couple things I want to say before I head out:
1. Because of all the generous donations and support that I have received from you guys… I AM FULLY FUNDED!!! Not only that, but I also have left over money from my personal savings that I will be able to bring overseas with me- for adventures/extra food/emergencies/anything else. (Now- I would love if I could get everyone who donated a souvenir, but let’s be real. I probably won’t have the time or space for that. I have a backpack and a big pack that everything I need for three months must fit in. I doubt I’ll have any extra space- so I’m apologizing ahead of time. I was told that I probably won’t be able to ship stuff so that’s also not an option. If it becomes one, I’ll do my best to find things for you guys.) But I wanted to thank each and every one of you for supporting me on this journey. Literally, I would not have been able to go without the help I received from all of you. I am forever grateful for the donations, and I pray that God will bless each one of you. THANK YOU SO SO SO MUCH.
2. I will have one day off of ministry per week. I will only have wifi when I can make it to the local coffee shop. I don’t know when I’ll make it there. It might end up being pretty often, but I’m guessing it won’t. Probably not on ministry days, unless we’re not doing a whole lot. (but I’m almost positive that we’ll be busy.) That means I can get there once a week- maybe. On our off days, I probably won’t want to go sit at a coffee shop when I could explore the Philippines. I’m sure there will be days when my team and I just want to go sit on our phones though. My point is- just because I have a day off doesn’t mean I’ll be at the coffee shop. I’m actually really hoping that they’ll want to go out and explore with me (since I can’t go alone.) So, when I make it there, I make it there. If not, be patient with me. I’ll reply to you when I can, I am not ignoring you. I promise. (note: please only text, FaceTime, or message me on apps like Facebook. I will not be able to call because I am not getting an international plan, only wifi. When I have wifi I will update my blog as well.)
The time difference is 13 hours. Please keep that in mind.
3. I will be in Tacloban. I will live in a house-like building with around 15 other people. 2 bathrooms. (It’s a lot more modernized than I was expecting it to be. We have indoor showers and toilets.)
4. I go to Gainsville, GA on the 24th for 4 days, and then I’ll board a plane on the 28th and fly out. I expect very long travel days and layovers. It’s about a 17 hour flight, but a girl on my team who has already been traveled for about 32 hours total. I probably won’t be able to contact you once I land- but know that if anything goes wrong you will be informed. If you don’t hear from me, I am safe. I will contact immediate family when I get wifi and update a blog about the training camp experience and travel.
5. PRAY. I ask that you keep my team and I in your prayers. Here are a few prayer requests:
- that everything will fit into my pack and I won’t forget anything
- safety while traveling and for motion sickness not to hit. It’s been bad lately even just in the car.
- for my team and I to bond quickly and get along
- for my family, mom, and dogs while I’m gone
- for us to have an effective trip, souls be won to Christ, and lives be changed
Thank you all so much, and I’ll talk to you soon!
