So far Launch has been as expected: busy, full of information, and teeming with fellow Racers nervous to leave everything we all know and love behind but excited to go out at the direction of our God.
I will try to diligently keep you all updated while I have WiFi.
New things to know:
1. I said a hard goodbye to my sisters and my baby nephew on Monday afternoon. Yesterday afternoon I got checked into my Racer hotel for Launch to officially start. I am now officially in the care of Adventures in Missions.
2. My Squad (N Squad) is set to leave on January 10th to head to the Philippines. I have heard that our flight, with its layovers, will be very, very long. But, one cool thing: We have a layover in China! (Can I then say I have been to China or no? Haha.)
3. Originally I had told some of you that my first ministry will be in Manila, Philippines. That is wrong. Instead, we will be in Tacloban, Philippines. I have been told that once we land in the Manila airport, we will then be taking a bus 20+ hours to our ministry site. Why yes, they are sure breaking us in right with travel days!
4. I have already had Satan trying to make me want to back out and go home. I know spiritual attacks are real, and I must say: they are not enjoyable. But, I have been clinging to the truth of God that He gave me this opportunity, that He has set me on the Race for His glory, and that His voice is the only one I need to pay attention to.
5. My pack’s current weight is at 49 pounds. Yes, one away from the maximum here in the States. Let’s all just hope and pray that the airport scales don’t add any pounds to that number or else I have to ditch things (that I feel that I need) or pay a fee that I can’t afford.
6. I am still in need of $6000 to be fully funded. I really, really, really need to be funded. If you want to give, I would very much appreciate that! If you want to ask your church to give, I would LOVE that as well! If you want me to speak to your church or small group, let’s work out something on Skype! I would love to! If you want to join with me in prayer for giving hearts to lead to giving hands, that would be wonderful, too!
7. Upon getting the last call on my phone from my Dad before giving up the SIM card, he told me that he and my sweet stepmom have resolved for the new year to go back to church — regularly. I cannot tell you how much this delights my soul. I know the God has timed this perfectly, and it was such an encouragement to me to hear. Please, join with me in praising God for drawing back to Him my Dad and Stepmom! God is such a good, good Father!
8. I ask that you pray, and pray sincerely that: our travel goes well and we (and our bags) get to our destination safely; my team can be unified for the Kingdom; we embrace the perfect love of Jesus and let go of any fear; I can serve my team well as the Team Treasurer; the hurt from leaving my family, boyfriend, and friends does not distract me from the ministry the Lord has given me; in all of our (the Racers) actions and words, we show others the love of God and the hope that lives in a life with Jesus.
I love you all. I miss you already, sweet family and friends. Thank-you for being a big, BIG part of my World Race by joining me in prayer and/or giving. Y’all make all the difference!
