What a month is has been! I’ve had my blog site up on my computer for over a week now as a reminder to let you all know what has been going on. However, each time I see it, I ignore it because I feel like there is too much to say and it’s just daunting.
Many of you have asked me about this boyfriend I mentioned in the last blog. Well, as luck would have it, I stumbled across a pretty incredible guy when I was helping out at the World Race training camp in October. I say “luck” because it’s just my luck that no sooner do we meet than he has to leave for the race. Anyway, his name is Nick Derington* and I will say that I am incredibly proud of him for stepping into this. My parents love him, and I’ll admit that I’m pretty thrilled. As for our relationship, we both felt a lot of confirmation from God to pursue it in spite of the distance. This will enable us to take our time getting to know each other while considering the idea of living less independent lifestyles. It’s a long time to commit to being away, so we would certainly appreciate your prayers and any incite. So while he is off traveling the world for Christ, I will also be doing my own different ministries.
I worked my last shift with my elderly care job this past Sunday. It was a rewarding job, but very taxing, and honestly, I was a good bit relieved when I was finished. I had some pretty heavy moments in the past couple of weeks. I stayed with a client, that I had grown very close to over the past few months, while he was in his final days. We spent many a shift talking faith, missions, and spirituality, and I am so happy to know he was a believer. It was heart-breaking to see him suffering, though, and on New Year’s Eve he breathed his last breath before going to be with the Lord. It was a painful situation for me, but I know he is in a much better place now.
Kenya is so close I can almost feel it. I wish I could feel the warmth, at least. I’ve been spending all of my free time this week doing final visits with friends and sorting out the things I’ll need for the next three months. It seems so much less overwhelming to pack for three months after having done this for a year-long trip. I have been talking throughout the day with my team members to help them with packing needs and any other random questions that come up. I am so excited to head down for leader training on Monday and then meet all of the team members Thursday. What an incredible trip this will be!
And the final news….drum roll please………….
I am officially on staff with Adventures in Missions as of yesterday. I have been working toward heading back to Swaziland to do some more independent projects under AIM. In order to do that, I had to complete the process to become full-time staff. I will be sending out a support letter for that shortly that will have more information. Please be praying for me as it is a much larger under-taking then the Kenya trip.
*You can access Nick’s blog at nickderington.theworldrace.org
