If anyone thinks that my intention of going on this trip is for my own pleasure
or to "do something cool" for a year has either:
1) not read any of my blogs or
2) is just plain out of their mind
This is a year for God to take me out of my comfort zone. We hear this often and it has even turned into some sort of cliche, but I will try and explain some of the extremes of how I will be stretched to the max during this journey (almost all learned from training camp).
1.) Worship: I come from a Southern Baptist background and I don't dance (unless you get a beer or 2 in me, haha.) This is a snapshot of worship World Race style: click here thanks Clark Moser. (ps: it's a video)
2.) Personal Hygiene: I enjoy being clean, smelling nice, and not sweating. We were in the middle of Georgia summer heat (camping…outside) and I think I may have had 3 showers (one of those was standing under a cold stream of water without using soap) in 7 days after sweating every bit of water I was consuming.
3.) Sleeping arrangements: You may be in your nice comfy bed while I will be either in a tent on the ground with a 1.5 inch thick sleeping mat, sharing a space meant for 10 people with 17 girls, or on a bus for the night because it isn't safe to go outside or you may get eaten by a lion (no joke).
Photo by Ed Olivett
4.) Physical activity: I haven't been physically active since 10th grade (that's almost 15 years for those wondering) and I will have to CARRY everything I need for the year on my back (this includes shelter, bed, clothes, kitchen, hygiene, medicines, etc.) and walk.
5.) Quiet time: Alone time will be non-existent for the next year. For someone who has a contemplative form of worship, this will be hard. Alone time will consist of turning around so I can't see anyone and putting in headphones. I won't even be able to go to the store alone. *does everybody have your exit buddy?!*
6.) Internet: no phone, spotty Internet, enough said.
7.) Control: This one has been the biggest lesson for me. I realize I like to "lead" because I like to control things. I am not a leader. I don't always have the best answer. I am a supporter, a submitter, a servant. This goes against everything my body wants because in those moments, I am NOT in control. Finances: no control. I am completely reliant on God to provide supporters to be able to send me.
There is so much more I could add to this list, but it's late and my brain stops working after a certain hour. And this is all learned in ONE WEEK from camp. I have 48 more weeks of this. I can say that I am beyond blessed to have a wonderful team to share these uncomfortable moments with.
Meet team Alethia (Greek for "truth" or "not concealed"):
Photo curtesy of Meg Hill
One last update: I have already met my goal for launch which needed to be met by Aug 15. I am currently at $6,561.27 and an SO INCREDIBLY THANKFUL for all of your prayers and support. I could not do this without you. So now, I only need $9,000 to be FULLY FUNDED! God is so good, isn't He?!
