God is remarkable, yet I would be lying if I said I feel completely prepared for the Race. It is hard to believe that in just 30 days I am actually going to be pitching my tent, settling in, and saying goodbye to all of my friends and family.

It feels like minute after minute there is more to prepare, more to comprehend, and more to organize. Day after day I have been filled with excitement, but nothing compares to today like it did yesterday! At the same time, I have realized that there is so much that I don’t know. 

I don’t know where I am going to sleep. I don’t know what I am going to eat. I don’t know what I am going to do. I don’t know who I will meet. I don’t know how I will react. I don’t know what I will learn, and I definitely don’t know what God will do. 

I have known all along that there will be many unknowns, but it wasn’t until recently that I have understood how much I will need to depend on God. There will be times when I feel near to Him, but there will also be moments when I feel far, and I just pray that I find reverence in Him. I know that he will always be near to me, but even so, it is scary stepping into this next chapter full of unknowns.

I am so unprepared, yet God knows all of the unknowns, so it is now, when my life is spinning with preparation, that I can find stillness. It is my hope and my prayer that I can find reverence in Him.

With all of that being said, God has been hard at work, and He is helping me find clarity in all that is going on. (here are some updates!!)

1. Fundraising - I am in awe of all that God has provided: $14,109.5 raised towards my mission, and all the work He is going to do. God has blessed me with so much, but I pray He isn’t done yet. With just 31 days until I leave, I am still $5,590.50 away from being fully funded. I know that only God can provide all that is needed, so if you feel led to give, would you prayerfully consider partnering with me?

2. NEW COUNTRY - Just a few weeks ago, my squad got the exciting news that we are going to be serving disaster relief in Jamaica! The tragedy of Hurricane Melissa has destroyed many homes, BUT World Race has given me and my squad the opportunity to connect with their community as we work to rebuild homes and provide comfort to all who have been affected by the strom. Our time there will involve grueling work in the sun, but even so, I am so excited since it seems like the perfect way to start our mission off with a BANG!

3. College - Not only have I been blessed with this mission, but I have been given an amazing opportunity to grow in faith. The College of Athens (CoA) has accepted me into their program where I will be taking full time classes towards a bachelors in transformational leadership.

4. Packing - Even though my packing list is minimal, checking items off feels like Christmas morning. It has been a long journey to figure out what works best for me, but looking at everything makes it abundantly clear how much God has truly blessed me.

5. Friends + Family - Saying goodbye is never easy, but as the clock winds down, I am just so grateful. Having a hard time leaving only proves how amazing the people in my life have been. Thank you all for everything.

6. Internship - I started an internship at The Bridge Community Church on June 1st, and the past few weeks have taught me so much. Not only have I been able to learn about all that goes on behind the scenes within student ministry, but God has given me so much guidance on how to become a greater child of God.