“Are you ready?”
There it is. The inevitable, unavoidable, and dreaded question. My answer? Well, it depends what day you ask me. You might catch me on a day where I feel nothing but excitement and eagerness for what is come this next year. The days I’m ready to get on the plane with my squad tomorrow. OR you might catch me on a day where I’ll want to cry when you ask me, “Are you ready?” The days I’m sad about leaving all my friends and family back home, when I’m stressed out about fundraising, or when I’m worried about how I’m going to pack all the right things for an entire year and then cram it all into one backpack.
Sometimes its hard to filter out the negative criticism and weed through the adverse comments thrown your way. All the stuff that sets you back. The stuff that can really make you question that one dreaded question: “Are you ready?”
“How are you actually going to be able to raise $16,000? That’s a lot of money.”
You’re right. $16,000 is a TON of money and fundraising has definitely been a challenge for me. But, this challenge is God showing that He is already at work within me. I have faith that He will provide.
“I’m jealous that you get to go on this vacation and travel for a year.”
Yes, I will be seeing the world. But, contrary to a relaxing vacation, this will be one of the most challenging years of my life. I will be way out of my comfort zone, while I’m stretched and tried to new ends on a daily basis.
One minute, I think I could not be more ready for this next chapter in my life – “Let’s do this; let’s get this show on the road!” The next minute, I might catch myself thinking the opposite – “Holy cow, this is a whole year. Was quitting my job and leaving everything behind the right decision?”
That’s when I have to catch myself. I’m in God’s hands. I need to 110% trust what He is doing in my life and know that He has called me down this path for a reason. If I’m ready to do that, then I’m ready for the race because that’s all I need to do to get ready.
In exactly 4 weeks from today, in 28 days, I’ll be leaving with my squad and boarding a plane to Haiti for month one of the race. So, while, at this very moment I still dread that question, “Are you ready?”, let me tell you 11 things that I am ready for:
I’m ready to completely surrender and give myself to The Lord.
I’m ready to learn what it really means to listen to God and hear Him speak to me.
I’m ready to grow a more intimate and deeper relationship with Him.
I’m ready to stop dwelling on the past and worrying about the future and completely trust that God has me exactly where he wants me.
I’m ready to be open and vulnerable with God and my squad.
I’m ready to learn to lean on God more than ever during our most challenging times and exhausting days.
I’m ready to live in community and grow in love with my amazing squad.
I’m ready to dive deep into the cultures, languages and traditions of all the countries where we will be serving.
I’m ready to serve and minister to God’s people.
I’m ready to expect the unexpected and face the unknown.
I’m ready to see what God has in store for my squad mates and I this year.
So,while after reading this list, it might sound to you like I am ready, I still have lots of preparing to do in this last month – mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I ask for your prayers and support during my final days before launch! I can’t believe it’s so soon – it’s finally here!!
Extra prayers of support to reach my next deadline of $7,500 before launch are greatly needed and much appreciated!!
See back in Atlanta soon, J Squad!
