reality has not sunk in...

exhausted from traveling, combating emotions and just an overall lack of sleep. it still really hasn't hit me that this island is home. the air is thick with humidity but i found myself acclimating pretty quickly and even got a little cold tonight sitting at the end of a dock enjoying my company. i really can see how God is knitting us together and preparing our hearts for amazing things. we are heading to the YWAM base tomorrow. i am beyond excited to meet all the others and settle in to my new home!

and i'm off!

i'm currently sitting in the airport getting ready to board my plane. my blueberry muffin eating skills are lacking apparently...definitely have crumbs all over my lap. :o) the reality of this situation is hitting me in waves and i have yet to cry this morning. it is inevitable though. three hours of sleep + saying goodbye to my amazing family and friends is hard. i am so blessed. i am so ready for this adventure God has called me to but it's hard to say goodbye. can't believe this day has come. my stomach has butterflies and i am beyond excited to bury my feet in the warm caribbean sand. people who are strangers now will become like family soon. God has great plans that are yet to unfold. goodbye oregon!

a new hair style...

i saw this on a different blog and thought i would give it a try.  :o)  truthfully i don't know if i'll let you know how it goes... i'm sure if i like it you may see pictures of it at some point.  after tonight, there is ONE DAY UNTIL I LEAVE.  AAAAAAHHHHHHHH!

nine days...

I am amazed. God's direction and provision especially this past month has been incredible. Sending in my first big payment to YWAM was a leap of faith, clearing out my bank account and leaving me to rely on His peace. Two days later, a little over $1500 came in through donations and garage sale profit. The following Saturday, I received a letter informing me that my $1100 hospital bill from March was covered 100% by financial aid! My heart is being transformed through this process as I'm being shown daily that God's hand is directing my life. Nine more days until I hop on an airplane and venture out beyond anything I have ever known. Though this trip has been on my radar for quite a while, the reality has yet to sink in. My emotions vary greatly minute by minute, fluctuating between excitement, nervousness, anticipation and grieving the time I'll miss with friends and family here. My to-do list seems daunting and I'm trying to squeeze in time with everyone that I love. It is definitely crunch time.

It has been a spectacular thing to see how the family of God can make up such a strong united force. Financial support has been so tangible to see, but the prayers and words of encouragement have made such an amazing impact as well. It really serves as a reminder to step out and speak and act on what God has called me to do, even if I feel it is small or insignificant.

As of today, I am still needing some financial support for the training portion of my trip. As I have seen God working recently, I am going into this week with little worry in regards to the provision (which is a miracle in itself...I tend to worry WAY too much.). I am still needing about $800 of the $2625 payment. After this payment I will begin collecting money for the outreach segment of the trip. It has been a challenge for me to ask for help, but so cool to see God orchestrating the details instead of earning it under my own strength. Contact me by commenting or e-mail if you would like to help!

To see where I will be, check out www.ywamdp.org !

ten thousand reasons

i am so blessed.  incredibly thankful.

loving singing this song at the top of my lungs...

kobe.

today i had a chance to breathe.  reflect on the ups, downs, challenges and triumphs these last few weeks have contained.  i hadn’t expected to say good-bye to anyone yet, but a forever good-bye blindsided me.

this week i went hiking with a good friend, but without my favorite hiking buddy.  tears stung my eyes as memories penetrated my heart.

though he was not mine, my heart claimed him as such.  he would joyfully welcome me the moment i would walk in the door.

i hope to never forget the moments we would run around the house like crazy or quietly enjoy the view at the top of Angel’s Rest.

time would slip away and we didn’t hang out as much after i moved out of his family’s home.  when reunited, my heart would always burst at his excitement to see me.  a few times he even crawled into my lap and almost knocked me over.

was this a glimpse of what unconditional love feels like?

“A dog doesn't care if your rich or poor, clever or dull, smart or dumb.  Give him your heart and he'll give you his.  How many people can you say that about?  How many people can make you feel rare and pure and special?  How many people can make you feel extraordinary?”  -- Marley & Me

i miss you Kobe.

YWAM Letter!

Please send me your address if you would like to receive an informative support letter about my trip with YWAM.  I finally got it done...now to enjoy this beautiful sunshine.  :o)