My life is a trip, y’all. Below are reasons why my life is crazy/awesome right now:
1. This morning, I finished packing up my classroom and dusting away the past three years. Emotional to say the least.
2. I’ve got car maintenance to attend to before driving to Perdido, AL (first) then Atlanta (second) and on to Gainesville, GA (third) for my Training Camp on the 19th. This week long camp allows me to meet my squad (50ish people) as well as put me through the ringer, physically and spiritually, in preparation for the field. (Think … sleeping in tents … in July … in the South.) Here’s a glimpse of what Training Camp will be like!
3. My God is an Awesome God! In the true sense of the word “awesome”! If I include the monthly pledges that will be deposited into my account in the future months … I AM 100% FULLY FUNDED!!! This huge relief is just a taste of what God will do in this next year. Your support and prayers mean so much to me, and your generosity enables me, and others, to do great and mighty things for Christ and his Kingdom! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
**Some people might have missed this opportunity to help support me and still wish to do something that will help. I need you. Just like I needed others financially. Here are some things you can do:
- I need you to help keep me grounded. Pray for me, send me funny youtube videos, tell me jokes, send me scripture, update me on One Direction news, share your daily life with me. I know that I will crave ANY and ALL sense of normality when I’m out there. Knowing that there are people remembering me and encouraging me will help so much! Seriously. This is important.
- I still need some gear for my trip. Would you prayfully consider helping me purchase these items?? I have a couple links to sites that I have set up a registry:
Best Buy: Click here and type in “Laura’s World Race”
The headphones splitter will be useful on those 36hr travel days, so that a friend and I can bond over music together. I’ve heard that headphones and music are LIFE SAVERS on the race as it is the only way you can “be by yourself” and tune out everyone around you. They say bring multiple sets of headphones. The GoPro camera/camcorder is waterproof and lightweight. It helps captures some of the most unique shots I’ve ever seen! This is WISH gift because of how awesome it would be to have one. The headlamp enables me to have light but still be able to use my hands for various things. I’ve heard it’s essential. The portable speakers are to be used for corporate worship. Many places we will go do not have access to sound systems, so by plugging this into a computer, you have instant volume! When you do get internet and electricity, several people can begin to fight over the two outlet plugs available. So, having a power strip or an adaptor helps tremendously!
REI: Click here and type in “Laura Ficken” in the Give a Gift section
The Alite Butterfly chair would be so great to have! A lightweight portable chair is a luxury! The pack cover prevents laptops and electronics that I carry from getting wet and damaged. I will definitely be needed this! Compression sacks are game changers. They help compress large, bulky items into nice, tight, space saving pouches. I already have two, but I need a third one cause I’m considering taking my regular sized pillow! Definitely need a watch. It’s crucial. I’m so accustomed to using my phone for the time, but a lot of times that won’t be available.
Apple: Click Here (Not a registry. I would love the denim blue color!)
I just landed a stellar deal and purchased a 2010 13in MacBook for only $325! That’s a steal not a deal, as our local entrepreneur would say. I need a sleeve for this puppy to help keep it safe and damage-free!
These items would be so great to have with me next year! Not all are essential, but ALL would serve a special purpose to me and others!
4. I found these at the party store. And to quote one of my squadmates Grace Veker, “Gold.”
(if you can’t tell … those are I
5. I just got some exciting news about this past school year. Can’t reveal what it is just yet … but I’m so proud and happy about it!!
6. I promised in my last blog to tell you about the opportunity my new squad will be having! So, about 3 weeks ago, I received an email asking me (and others) to pray about switching squads. Adventures in Missions is partnering with Gray Media to document K Squad’s World Race and the impact this program is making around this world for God’s Kingdom. One week a month, Gray Media will send a film crew out to our teams and film Racers in ministry and interview local ministries and contacts and people impacted by these ministries to share their story of redemption. The purpose isn’t to highlight ME or my teammates at all. But rather, to share stories of faith. And I’m pumped about helping with this opportunity!! After searching for answers and direction, I feel that God has opened these doors for a reason. So, who knows, you may see my K Squad journey on TV proclaiming His great name!
7. This: Which is this right now:
What a way to end a blog. Powerful stuff. Thanks for reading!
-Laura
