Guys…you launch on your Semesters trips in just a few weeks!! YAY!
I know that y’all just passed the 75% deadline, I’m genuinely impressed with how much progress you’ve made! Look back and celebrate all your hard work and praise the Lord for His provision!
Now, your 100% deadline is just TWO weeks away on June 24th. Because it takes checks 2 weeks to process through, you need to mail those in ASAP (like today), and online donations need to be made by June 19th.
I am sure that many of you are starting to pack and repack. You’re getting ready to say goodbye and see you later to many loved ones. I’m sure you’re all super excited to start this, you’ve been thinking and dreaming about this for weeks and months; at the same time many of you may feel nervous to leave the comforts of home to meet strangers that will become family. Maybe you’re even having some doubts about this.
Rest assured, He has called you. Let the Father hold your hand as you take these steps of faith. Enjoy the small conversations with family and friends. Enjoy packing and repacking, stuffing and squeezing (you eventually will become experts at packing). Enjoy time with God, inviting Him into whatever you’re experiencing during this transition. Be thankful. Rest.
You all have worked sooo hard to fundraise for this trip. You’ve shared your hearts with family and friends, and probably a few strangers. Your testimonies have a domino effect in your community, and will continue to as you take leaps of faith over the next few weeks and months. Celebrate all of the Father’s provision in this journey. He has blessed you. He is taking you from glory to glory, and He will continue you on this journey every day for the rest of your life.
My final reminders for you:
1. Copies of your passport, travel insurance info (on your profile), and any other important documents: Please make several copies of your documents; they are great to have in case you lose something. (It isn’t a bad idea to leave copies with your loved ones as well, in case they need your information while you are gone.)
2. Bring 2 extra visa photos (the 2 inch x 2 inch passport photos you can get at Walgreens, CVS, etc.). These are always wise to have while traveling in case needed for visas.
3. Don’t forget: Prescription medicine and refills, bug spray, and sunscreen. 🙂 Travel day compression socks are beautiful things to have for long bus rides and long flights. These travel days can create cankles (swollen ankles), and nobody likes those.
4. Your pack/suitcase needs to be at or under 50 pounds for the flight. The lighter the better. Your daypack should be about the size of a school backpack or smaller to carry onto the plane. These recommendations are to ensure you meet airline guidelines!
5. Arrival Reminders:
If you are FLYING in for Training Camp: When your flight arrives, grab your pack/suitcase from baggage claim, and then make your way to the lower level of the DOMESTIC TERMINAL, by the Lower North 1 (LN1) doors. An Adventures staff person will be there by around 12:30PM to meet you. Don’t hesitate to ask an airport employee for help finding the meeting spot! An Adventures shuttle will transport you from the airport to Camp. Please pick up your bags and head to the meeting spot quickly once you land.
If you are DRIVING to camp: You need to arrive between 4PM – 5PM EST at 6000 Wellspring Trail, Gainesville, GA 30506.
If your flight is delayed or cancelled, or you have a set back (or get lost) while driving and will be arriving later, it’ll be very important to call me and let me know! (770) 847 8625.
6. Wifi: Your family might be asking about how your communication will go in these first few weeks. You will have access at the beginning to let loved ones know you arrived safely, however, it might be a few days before they hear from you again. So go ahead and give your loved ones a heads up. For more info on expectations for technology, click HERE.
7. Alert your banks and credit card company: Call your bank. Call your credit card company. Let them know of your travel plans, so that your cards aren’t locked down the first time you use them overseas.
8. Dress code: Remember to pack only clothes that meet dress code. If you fail to comply with the dress code, we will ask you to change clothes. The dress code is outlined on your profile. You will be asked to change if you are in something that doesn’t align with the dress code (starting when you arrive at camp). Remember our heart is to respect the cultures we are going to minister in and experience new places around the globe.
9. Expectations of a Racer: Please read over this document about the World Race Semesters program that the directors have created for you. This will give you a good idea of expectations of the program and staff. You will discuss this more at camp, but we wanted you to have it prior to arrival.
10. World Race Commitment: On the same token, please read through this document that outlines the vision of World Race Semesters and how we expect you to respond as you walk through your World Race journey. We will ask you to commit to this at training camp, so acquaint yourself with this now, and let me know if you have any questions ahead of time!
11. Flight Itineraries: We will be sharing your flight information with you as soon as possible – either on the launch blog or through your team leaders at training camp. Either way, you will have this information before you head to the airport to go off into the nations! Feel free to share this information with your parents; I know many of them are eager to know your flight paths!
13. Fundraising: As you know, your 100% deadline is June 24th! If you’re not there yet, remember you need to be at 100% of your fundraising goal upon your arrival at training camp to be able to check in. If you find yourself below the 100% deadline, you should be in contact with me about how you are reaching that goal in the next few weeks!
14. Training Camp Worship: Our worship team has been hard at work preparing some amazing songs to help you connect with the Lord through times of corporate worship. Feel free to listen through this playlist (Spotify, YouTube) to become more familiar with some songs you might hear before you arrive!
Finally,
