As I’ve been preparing for my departure (15 days!) there has certainly been a lot on my mind. I’ve been thinking of practical and logistical things: booking flights, buying a watch, getting my finances in tip-top shape. Additionally, my heart is chugging through the reality of four major life transitions happening in the time of one month: finishing the semester, graduating, moving from Missouri, and leaving for the world race. Spiritual and emotional issues are in no shortage, either. Contemplating healthy relationship boundaries, the methods of communicating cross-culturally, the value of “things”, and what it looks like to be a servant leader are just a few of the thoughts bobbing around in the swimming pool of my brain.
But I can’t really start talking about, thinking about, or praying about any of these things outside of the context of how absurdly blessed I am. Dare I forget what an incredible opportunity this is because of the presence of anxieties?! Any concern, fear, or nervousness I have about this upcoming year does not occur in a vacuum. My next eleven months (and these past 11 months, for that matter) are built on the generosity, kindness, encouragement, and vision of others. People like you, who have seen me in my mess and thought, “She’s still worth it”. People like you, who have heard me speak, sometimes in ignorance, and decide, “God has big plans for this one”. People like you, who have watched me fail and succeed, yet affirm, “God is working through her”. People like you, who aren’t fully convinced this whole thing isn’t just some lavish vacation, but choose to trust, “This is the Holy Spirit’s leading”. People like you, who see the seeds God has put within me, and pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”.
Thank you.
Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for allowing me to be weak and to be strong. Thank you for hoping with me, but not demanding of me. Thank you for seeing where God is leading me, and cheering me on. Thank you for being excited for and with me. Thank you for praying for me. Thank you for giving generously of yourselves, your time, and your money. Thank you for helping me to walk this thing out. Thank you for trusting me. Thank you. From the bottom of my heart, the top of my head, the middle of my elbows, and from every other part of me that can say it: THANK YOU!!!
