Hello all!
Since it has been awhile…let me update you on a few things. First, God is pouring out His generosity through all of you who have supported and partnered with me for this mission. I am overwhelmed with gratefulness! It has been so exciting to see God show up – God is working everything for his purpose according to his will. I am incredibly humbled that I get to be a part of this mission.
Right now, I am 39% funded!
I have a few people who have committed to partner with me each month and more who say they will give! Even with these highlights, I must keep reminding myself of God’s faithfulness and His abundant provision. Yet, every time I am wrestling with my doubts and fearing my failure, God shows up and another significant gift is in my World Race account. I think God is humorous and also thank you!!!
Secondly, I have begun to buy and research gear. I must admit this task intimidates me. But there are so many lists on the World Race site and lists from alumni as well. So the first thing I bought was my backpack. After getting measured and trying one on, I took the plunge and bought a 65L Ruckpack from REI – thanks to helpful people at REI because I really had no clue! If you know me, color is important – so it is a pretty green, front-loading pack that has a zipper to enclose the straps for travel. It also came with a small daypack. I am super excited about it! Now, I am making wish lists for more gear such as sleeping bag, sleeping mat and tent.
Lastly, I want to share with you some goals for this summer. Time is flying and before I know it August will be here (I have already purchased my flight tickets for training camp). I have two more months of working at Head Start. To be honest, part of me cannot wait to be able to focus 100% on the World Race and preparation. But, another part is extremely sad to think about saying goodbye to the families I work with and my coworkers. Besides all the insurmountable paperwork 
, I love being able to meet with families, not only have I learned so much from them but together we get to play and learn. So my goal for this summer is to make these last couple months of visits and working with my families meaningful and intentional. I pray that my visits with each family with instill hope and change – maybe to their situation but more importantly to their perspective.
Another goal this summer is to start running again. For training camp in August, they require us to hike with a full pack 2.2 miles. But also, I have read that many encourage trying out the pack on hikes to get used to the weight and to adjust as necessary. I have used my busy schedule as an excuse for not exercising, even though I know it always makes me feel better and more energized. I exercise or do yoga every once in a while but it has been sporadic at best. So my goal is to go on walks or runs at least 3 times a week.
This summer, I have decided to study and savor the book of Ephesians. I have read it fully a couple times and I plan to dissect it more by sections. I chose Ephesians because I want to dive into my identity in Christ and the grace that He lavishes on us. I have been learning recently about grace. Grace is kindness we don’t deserve. It not only removes the punishment that we do deserve but grace gives us an unmerited gift. I have learned recently, that although I have accepted this grace and the gift of salvation, I struggle to live in it. I have a tendency to believe lies about my worth and my value. But in those moments, I am learning to ask the question, “What does grace say?” This morning, I read the first chapter of Ephesians and Paul repeatedly writes “IN HIM”. IN JESUS, I find my worth. IN HIM, I am blessed with every spiritual blessing. IN CHRIST, I am redeemed from my sins and failures. IN the BELOVED ONE – IN HIM is where I find glorious grace.
I also have a goal to write more blogs this summer! I have been researching about my countries and plan to share with you soon.
So there you have it! My goals this summer are to be intentional in my workplace, run, study Ephesians and write blogs. What are your goals for this summer? I read recently that we often make goals for every part of life but our spiritual growth. So how would you like to grow spiritually? I would love to encourage and pray for you in these goals, comment or send me an email.
THANKS for joining me on this adventure. Love you all!
