Well the time has come folks. I am currently in my hotel wishing you all a farewell and a huge thank you! I’ve been wanting to post a new blog for a few weeks now, but those few weeks I had at home after training camp flew by.
To start, words can’t begin to describe how thankful I am for all of you. I have been so blessed by your support; emotionally, financially, and prayerfully. My last two weeks at home were filled with goodbyes and many beautiful prayers spoken over me. I am one blessed girl to have you all apart of this journey with me and I am beyond grateful for all that has been done for me. I will think of you all often while I am away!
I realized the other day that it was just one year ago this past Friday that I left for Belize to serve those affected and infected with HIV and AIDS for ten days. It was a year ago this week that I fell in love with missions. God broke my soul in a way that only serving others overseas could repair and so here we are, ready for more.
I’m still slightly shocked that the time has finally come for me to leave for 11n11. It was only yesterday that I said my final goodbyes to my parents and when I think about how deep that is for me, for us; I am taken back to the moment when God first called me to the World Race. I was driving to my parent’s house after work one morning when I heard the call. I knew what I heard was real because my heart was breaking in a way that I had never experienced before. I sat on the front porch with my mom that morning and as we were rocking in our chairs, reading the Bible together, and watching the earth wake up; I couldn’t contain my feelings anymore. I showed her the video of the World Race and through deep sorrow and tears, I told her that I felt like God had just called me to this. I knew in that moment that the Lord would take me away from my family to do his work for the Kingdom and while that is a privilege and an honor, it is also a huge responsibility and comes with many challenges. But the Lord gives us his strength. I was very surprised by how well I have held my emotions together regarding my new separation from my loved ones. If you know me well, you know I am very close with my family and parents especially. I feel the Lord’s peace about this journey. This saying used to run through my mind all the time “But who’s life is this anyways?” and now I know where it came from. That phrase that I have heard so often in the back of my mind and at the most random times, hasn’t been my own. Its been the Lord preparing me for this moment. He has been reminding me over the years that this little fragile life of mine, was designed and created for Him. Who’s life? His life. To do with it what he may. And so with this understanding, my excitement has outweighed my sadness.
So here I go. My flight for Costa Rica leaves in 8 short hours. I have been preparing for this moment for almost an entire year. It is surreal to think the time has finally arrived. It is surreal to think that I am not going home, that I won’t see my routine and my comforts for 11 months. I won’t get to kiss my beautiful mother again for 11 months. It’s surreal to think about all that I am leaving behind, but in such a big way — it feels right. My hope is that one day, the apostle Paul and I get to sit down under a mango tree in heaven and share stories about our time as disciples. My hope is to see God bring healing and restoration to some of most lost and hurting places around the globe. My hope is that I get to experience Him in a much deeper way than I ever have before. My hope is to see the Kingdom expand and people be free from bondage and spiritual warfare. I can’t wait to tell you all what God is going to be doing through myself and my team, but I feel big things in store for us!
My first ministry does not have wifi, so bear with me if you don’t hear from me for a little bit. I will do my best to keep you guys updated.
I still need prayer and financial partners so if you are feeling lead to give in any of these two ways, please prayerfully do so. I am still $4,400 away from meeting my financial deadline. All of my funds are due by January so continued support is greatly appreciated. And thank you all so much for everything you have already done!
Love you guys! I’ll be in touch!
