Everything is about to change!
In 17 days I will be on a plane heading for Chicago preparing to launch. I have begun the daunting task of packing and trying to decipher what I am going to take with me and what not too. (This is not that easy, I am a bit of a hoarder.) I have gotten my shots and meds to prevent sickness, that yellow fever shot was no joke, it made me feel like I got hit by a truck.
Starting tomorrow this will be the last week at my job. I have worked here since I was 16 years old and three years ago my best friend and I were blessed to become the summer camp directors for the school-aged children. Some of these kids I have known since they were very little and I have been fortunate to watch them grow the past few years. I can’t begin to explain how much I have learned from these children, and how much they taught me about myself. I am very grateful for this job and blessed I was given the opportunity. Please pray that this week saying goodbye to these beautiful children isn’t as heartbreaking as I envision it going to be. Everything is about to change, I won't see those smiling faces everyday, or able to call my best friend when ever I want too, or have my own personal space. Please pray that the transition these next two weeks go smoothly, as I began to focus and prepare mentally and spiritully to leave for 11 months.
I would also like to update everyone that my squad and I will be launching from Chicago to the Dominican Republic where we will stay for the first month, then head to Haiti for the second month. I am beyond thrilled, and as the days get closer I am reading past racers blogs like crazy! I can’t wait to see what God has planned for our first month on the race. As of right now I do know our third month, my squad and I will be heading to Thailand. That is the extent of my knowledge of which countries come next. Here is a little information on Dominican Republic and Haiti so that you can get a small idea of what I will be doing in the next two months.
*The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean. The more affluent neighbor to Haiti (though generally it isn't too affluent), the D.R. is home to 9 million people. The Dominican culture is lively, vibrant, warm; however, the culture struggles with problems like hypersexualization and alcoholism. After the earthquake on January 12 in Haiti, the D.R. quickly became refuge to thousands who were displaced. This month, I will serve at orphanages, refugee camps, and more; my team and I will partner with local churches, pastors, even Adventures in Missions' own full-time missionaries.
*Haiti was hit with a life-altering earthquake on January 12, 2010. The nation's still in shambles, the church is rising up. Haiti is experiencing a spiritual revival right now like it has never before seen. Communities are turning to pastors for leadership, and the local church is becoming the driving force behind Haiti's ongoing rebirth. This month, I will help with relief efforts, establish connections with local pastors, help people rebuild their lives through meeting felt needs, and more.
SUPPORT UPDATE
As you know I met my second goal of $6,500 in order to launch!! God has continuously surprised me, by bringing people into my life that are so generous and supportive of this mission. I have to raise a total of $15,500 to be fully funded. Right now I have aprox. $8,000 in my support account! Whooohoo! That means I sill need $7,500 to be fully funded. My second deadline is three months into the race. That means December I need to have hit 11,000 raised. That is 3,000 dollars in three months!! I am more confident than ever that God will provide, like he has been doing!
****Thank you so much to those who have donated, prayed and supported me on this mission!******
"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:19
