It is currently 1:45AM, and I officially launch for the world race in just 4 HOURS. At 5:45 in the morning I will head with my squad to the Atlanta airport and fly to my first country: Guatemala!!! After months of preparation, and the longest emotional roller coaster ride ever, it’s hard to believe the time is finally here.
The past few days I have been in Atlanta with all world race squads doing some “final training” prior to launch. We also had the opportunity to invite our families for the first couple days here to meet our squads (aka our new family for the next 9 months), and also to get a more firsthand feel of what Adventures in Missions really is and their heart behind this ministry. I was so excited for Brooke and my parents to be able to meet my new friends and family, and for them to be alongside me as I began the transition into this period of “launching”.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from my emotions after my final meal with my sister and parents on Monday, but I was sure I would be pretty sad and upset. As the picture taking wrapped up and it was about time for our families to go, the seemingly inevitable tears didn’t flow. Although it wasn’t easy, it wasn’t hard letting go of my family in that moment. We said our goodbyes and hugged a few long hugs, but no tears were shed. I couldn’t figure out the peace and comfort I felt as I waved my final “see ya later” and watched them walk away.
Initially I was confused about why I didn’t cry and why I didn’t feel sadder about seeing them go. I thought maybe I was numb, or in denial, and that it was gonna hit me like a freight train when I spent my first night by myself. But I soon knew that the peace that I was feeling was from the Lord. I wasn’t numb, and I wasn’t in denial. I knew in that moment exactly what was happening; I said goodbye to the people I love for nine months, but I did so because I am choosing to take a radical step of faith; going on a journey alongside my God to glorify and expand His kingdom. And I’m not numb. I am joyful, eager, excited, and thankful!
I am going to miss my family and friends more than I can explain, and I know that there will be many moments that I long for home. But I don’t want to waste a single second of this opportunity wishing that I was somewhere other than where my feet are. Yeah, 9 months seems like a super long time, but in the grand scheme of things it is a tiny blip on the spectrum of my life. I’m so thankful that the Lord has brought me to this place, and I am determined to make the seconds count.
In just the past few days here in Atlanta, He has shown me that in every situation, He provides me with the strength, peace, and comfort that I need. He has affirmed me, and has told me that it is okay to grieve for home, but that I have entered a new season of life and that this is exactly where I am supposed to be.
As you follow me on my journey please pray that I will be able to keep this perspective even when things get really hard. Also that I will be continually filled with the fruit of the spirit and that I will be open minded and allow myself a vessel for the Lord in whatever ways he desires to use me.
Thanks again for your prayers and support!
-Megan
“Rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances. For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17
