Almost Time For Take Off

It’s almost time!! In two days I will take off for Gainesville Georgia to start my month long training! After my training month in Georgia on base, I will then fly to Cambodia and start the real thing.  Leaving comes with a lot of mixed emotions and nothing about it is easy. The other day I was sitting in my grandpa’s lap bawling my eyes out right before I said ‘see you later’ for the next 9 months and he said one of the most comforting things. He was holding me tight and running his fingers through my hair when through a crack in his voice he said, ” Following God isn’t easy. No one ever said it would be, but that doesn’t mean we can’t do it.” I don’t know if it was just a mix of emotions or the fact that my Papa is my best friend, but those words brought so much comfort over me. I just keep reminding myself no matter how hard it is no matter how bad it hurts, God called me to go and he’s got my back through it.

This past month has been trying. I’ve juggled jobs, packing, saying goodbyes, and preparing my heart for what’s ahead of me. Now, I’m two days away from what I hope to be the best 9 months of my life, and I cannot wait. Yes, I am dreading leaving and having to walk away from all that I’ve known, but I am also so excited for the change and to grow and see God in ways I’ve never seen him before. My head is spinning with thoughts and what I have left to do, but my heart is so ready to go and to learn and to meet my new family.

I do ask for a lot of prayer right now. Pray for my friends and my family as they have to send me off alone for the first time. Pray that God softens their hearts and comforts them. Pray that my heart will be open to the new ideas and concepts I will learn along the way. Pray the God will use me to grow my own faith, but also everyone in my squad’s. Pray that everywhere we go whether it is the grocery store or a school, that people will see God’s love through us and give us the opportunities to share with them. Pray for safe travels and good health while we are gone. Through all of the praying I’ve done I keep forgetting to praise Him for the good he’s already done as well. Praise Him for funding me and taking that burden off my chest. Praise Him for letting there be no difficulties while packing and buying everything. Praise Him for the leaders and people he has set before us to serve and take care of us. Praise Him for sending my squad and I to do his work and giving us the willingness to go. Praise Him for easy things like Walmart where I can and have run to for the little things I forgot.

2 Days until the adventure of a lifetime!

Love y’all!