Hello friends and family, I am pleased to be writing to you via blog again 🙂
It’s been too long!
I’d love to update you on what the Lord has been up to these last couple months as I continue to fund raise and prep for the race!
This last month I got to go on my first ever Mission trip to God’s Mountain, a camp for kids during the summer that is located in Missouri. I know, crazy that it was my FIRST mission trip right? It taught me more than I can tell you about what serving truly means and how to selflessly help others while continuing to honor the Lord all in a days work! I made deeper connections with existing friends and new connections with new friends. New friends are a wonderful thing 🙂 The Lord renewed strength and confidence in my decision to continue to follow Him into the nations this coming fall and my support system grew in a short, fun week.
This last weekend I took a big step and I got to be baptized! What a beautiful experience filled with the Lord’s presence. About 20 of my friends and family members were there to support me and love me as I took this step in obedience. As I read to my friends and family on Sunday afternoon, “Today I am getting baptized in a step of obedience and to publicly proclaim my relationship with Jesus Christ and how I am reborn because of His resurrection. I am free from anger and bitterness from my parents divorce and I am not held down by self image because i know who I am in Christ. I hold freedom in Christ and I choose to follow Him because He relentlessly pursues me.” I had the privilege to get baptized by two of my youth group leaders who are spiritual leaders and a HUGE part of my support and spiritual journey. Thank the Lord for such awesome, influential people in my life.
Earlier this month I hit 48.6%! Which means I am at my goal for this coming May and almost half way there in my fundraising! Thank you everyone for the more than generous donations and extra prayers I know are being said for me! The people who care for me are more than great and are proving it! My prayer request for this month are to continue to fully trust in this crazy plan, that fundraising is continued to be delivered, and that relationships continue to grow while I am at home and on the field.
Love & Blessings
Maria
