Farewell

Thank you all for your wonderful support of this incredible trip I am about to embark on. In the spring you would have heard me doubt that I'd be able to raise the amount of money I need. It seems like a ginormous amount for an 18-year-old like me, but nothing is too big for you-know-who. He has provided in such a mighty way which has allowed me to get started on my laundry list of packing without stress. This summer has been a rollercoaster of emotions for me. Right away I was blown away with shock that I even had this opportunity. That feeling never went away. The next emotion was excitement. I mean, of course, why wouldn't I be excited to go off by myself right out of high school?

It wasn't until the last two weeks that it finally sank in. I was leaving my family for almost a year. None of us have ever been apart for that long. I thought I was unstoppable and fearless until I realized that this was happening soon! I'm missing birthdays, Christmas, Easter. What if something goes wrong? What if something awful happens while I'm on the other side of the planet? Literally! This is what's been going through my head, but I know when I have these thoughts, the only thing that will keep me together is God. He has me. I have to remind myself of that often, but it is a burden off my shoulders knowing that God has a plan so I don't need to draw one up for myself.

I am worried about what I will do after. College, major, carreer. God has a plan. Deep breaths. What I look forward to from this trip, more than the experiences, which you can ask my parents, I've always been obsessed with "experiencing everything." My biggest goal so far is for Him to change me, to morph me into the person He's always envisioned me to be. I want to be able to feel His presence in everything I'm doing and what's being done around me. I strive to be knowledgeable about the word of God and openhearted in sharing His love. A lot like my parents. They have been so amazingly helpful throughout my entire life, especially these last few months. I am such a spoiled brat. They have put so much energy and focus on me this summer, that I will spend a very long time trying to pay back that love they have so relentlessly shown me. I will miss them the most. So very much.