11 days. 264ish hours.
My time in the states is
quickly coming to an end. On January 3 I head to Miami to meet up with my squad
and then on January 4 we head to the Dominican Republic.
It is hard to express all of
my emotions right now because they change by the hour and day. Most of the time
I am purely excited to get this mission started. Other moments I find myself
saying, “What in the world am I about to do?” And yet other times I think “11
months is a really long time, can I really do this?”
There are so many unknowns
next year; in fact I really don’t know anything specific about next year. I can
tell you what other teams have done and what they tell us we might do, but none
of that is concrete.
This next year is about being
in the moment and being FLEXIBLE. And that is going to be a big change for me. I like to know when things are going to
happen and how they are going to happen. I am pretty sure that is going to
change within the first month if not the first week!
Even though I don’t know anything
that is for sure going to happen next year I am still very excited.
The past 2 months I have
noticed a change in myself. I am starting to let go of my control of some
things and am trying to be more carefree about things. It’s a hard process, but
I am enjoying the freedom that comes with not knowing every little detail. I am
learning that when you don’t know every detail you are giving God more room to
have fun with what He wants to do.
Christmas is a day away and I think it is very important that we do not forget that this season is about God giving his Son to die for our sins. This season is not about the presents that we give or receive, it is all about the ultimate gift that has been freely given to us but cost the most of all gifts the life of Jesus Christ. Spend some time on Christmas thanking God for what he has given you and your family.
Launching in the Dominican Republic is closing in on me. With
Christmas, family good-byes, flight to Charlotte, packing and leaving I
probably will not post again until I meet up with the squad in Miami and
possibly not until we reach the DR and are situated so I want to take this time
to thank my supporters and prayer partners:
Mom
and Dad
Josh
and Shannon
Trisha and Jonelle
John
and Pam
Brian
and Jen
Travis
and Alise
Tom
and Madge
Bethlehem
UMC (youth, UMW and church body)
Jeff
Mike
and Brenda
Richard
and Patty
Steve
and Mary
Jerry
and Debby
Denny
and Trudy
Ola
Mae
Carmine
Lee
Ray and Jean
Betty
Randy
and Annette
Lowell
and Lisa
Laine
Anna
Ruby
First
UMC Albuquerque
Nancy
Harvey
and Betty
Steve
and Nancy
Kay
Larry
and Julie
Pat
and Keith
Richard
and Vicki
Scott
and Toni
David
and Morgan
Melissa
Anonymous
If
I have forgotten anyone please forgive me.
I
am so grateful for what you have and are doing for me. I will need tons of
prayer over the next 11 months. Thank you for all you have done and continue to
do. I am certain you will be rewarded in Heaven!
Lots
of Love and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Catch ya in the DR!!!
