Hey everyone! It has been nearly 2 months since I last posted a blog, so it is time for some updates as I’ve had some awesome stuff happen!
- I graduated!!!!! In the beginning of May, I graduated
with my Master’s in Public Health. The program was an incredibly long journey for me. My learning was exponential, and the experience taught me how to effectively use my voice to advocate for others. It gave me tangible skills that I’ll be able to use in the coming year across the world, and more importantly, solidified my passion for advocacy and storytelling. Again, I’m incredibly thankful for not only the program, but also the community that came from it. The experience wouldn’t be even half of what it was without the people I experienced it with.
- As of today, I am 34% funded! I’ve got just over $12,000 left to raise. With the help of some of my main peeps, I have just a few more fundraisers planned. This month, I have a matching donor who is matching up to $750 in donations made to this webpage! I also have a carwash and bake sale planned, a cool partnership coming up for the month of June, and a “adopt a box” board to use during July! I’ve been incredibly blessed with my family and friends that have been outpouring their time & energy into this venture. I am incredibly, incredibly thankful. It has blown my mind to see the Lord work through everyone’s efforts and prayers to raise $6,000 thus far.
- Preparations for the trip are in full swing. I got all of my shots (typhoid,
tdap booster, yellow fever) as well as got all of the medications ready (mega antibiotics, anti-malarials that I probably won’t take, etc). I’ve also been able to save a little bit for spending on the race. When I first signed up for this thing, I thought I wouldn’t be able to do that. But, as usual, JC showed up and gave me two extra jobs to work during my last semester, which has helped me with fundraising A LOT!! Without the Lord giving me those jobs, I wouldn’t be anywhere near 34% funded. I also have the majority of my gear purchased. I have my tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, pack, packing cubes, and other miscellaneous gear taken care of. Santa Claus really showed out at Christmas time!!
With all of these things happening, plus more that I haven’t mentioned, it’s easy to say that I am in a busy season. To be quite frank with you all – my head is spinning. I was working three jobs during my last semester of grad school, plus an internship. It physically and mentally exhausted me. My training camp is in two weeks, and I am supposed to leave in 2 months. There is a lot left to prepare, yet more importantly, I have a lot more time I need with the people that I love.
By saying “yes” to this call, I am abandoning a lot:
- My brother, Alex, will graduate college while I’m gone, and I won’t get to be here to celebrate with him.
- My grandma (for those who don’t know me – she has been very influential in my life) is dying, and I may not get to be here when she passes away.
- My boyfriend, Eric, has gone back to school and is exponentially growing in what he is passionate about, and I won’t be here to witness it.
- Some of my best friends are getting married, graduating, moving across the states, etc. and I won’t be around to celebrate with them.
There are a million things to add to that list…. but throughout this busy season, I have seen the Lord showing His work & His hands in unique ways. I will write more on the specific ways in the next blog post, but for now, just know that the Lord is faithful, never-ceasing, and always knows exactly what I need!
~~ until next time!
