It's the morning of our official start day of the World Race! It seems like ages ago that I was filling out the application, nervously awaiting my phone interview, and beginning the arduous task of support raising. Because of all of your generous support – financial, emotional, spiritual – I am about to embark on my kingdom journey!
God has also been generous with his blessings this last month in the US.
I was able to wind down the time I spent working due to the amazing generosity of supporters (and tippers!). This enabled me to spend some much needed time investing in the relationships I was leaving (temporarily!) in Charleston. My church family poured into me and imparted such wisdom as they sent me out into the world as an ambassador of our Lord! Thank you all so much for your guidance, love, and encouragement these past few months of preparation.
I was also able to travel through North Carolina on my way out of Charleston. Just three short, busy days, but I was able to spend some quality time with my incredible grandmother and awesome aunts, uncles, and cousins! Their supportive, funny, and encouraging words were exactly what I needed to hear! I thank you guys for rooting for me and thinking of me while I am away – it is a comfort that I know will help me through some hard times!
I am also incredibly blessed with an amazing mom, dad, and sister. They were not only generous with their physical gifts this Christmas, but with their words. That's the (great!) thing about immediate family – they say the things that everyone else might be thinking, but don't want to say. I thank you guys for your honest concerns and expressing them in your own loving ways. Thank you guys for supporting me whether or not you agree with the nature of my trip. Thank you guys for loving me when I act unlovable. Thank you for praying for me and my safety throughout this year. Your support means the world to me and I pray for this year to take you all on an amazing kingdom journey also — right where you are. Like I said in one of my very first blogs: our God is working in all situations and you can be the light of the world right where you are.
There are so many more people and groups that have helped me get to this point in my trip. There are also amazing groups of people (N Squad, my team, Adventure in Missions) who will be with me on this journey and hold my hand as we go. So, even with a pack that's too heavy, lost shoes, tent-sleeping nights, and hard spiritual growth, God will continue to be generous with the gifts he has for his children! Amazing love!
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In just 2 hours we will board a shuttle headed to the airport and begin the journey to Ecuador. My team will be spending the month in the Amazon jungle working in the community and doing some construction projects. Since I have never been to the jungle before (surprise!) I am not sure what my wireless access will look like. But please come back soon for an update on the work God is doing in Ecuador. If you don't hear from me for a little bit, please know that I am safe in God's loving arms, and that I am praying for each of you daily!
Off we go…!
