Transitions: A Soft Launch

While I’ve been support raising and preparing for DTS, I’ve had some unexpected medical things come up that have left me with quite a bit of uncertainty with the timeline of leaving. There’s nothing too scary or serious going on, but my doctor found something concerning and we thought having a surgery to mend this issue before leaving would be wise. So, July 2 (10 days ago) I went in for the procedure and have been recovering since while also leaving!

It’s been a busy and stressful, yet also very restful week! I’ve had to rely on my family and community in ways I’m not used to, which has been a challenge. It’s quite humbling to think just how little I can do in my own strength… I’ve been reminded that even on my best days it’s His breath in my lungs giving me life and His grace allowing me to do even basic things to function daily. And I’ve seen dependence in a new way, shouldering one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2) encompasses every aspect of life and I’ve seen His love shine through my community as I’ve learned a little bit more how to depended on Him through receiving their support. And I’m so grateful for this family of believers that surrounds me!

Thank you to everyone who’s been praying for me while recovering this past week, I made it to Colorado Springs for my World Race reunion with my Squad. Though I’m getting stronger every day, I’m definitely still recovering. Travel day was a bit tough on my body and I’m feeling quite a bit set back which has been discouraging. Given my next travel day is a few more days away and I’ve had opportunities to rest and recover more since arriving, I’m praying I’ll be much stronger by then.

It’s been great being back with my Squad, every moment is deeply familiar and comforting, and having gone through rough travel days with them before we still find ways to make an adventure of it haha. I feel like this is sort of a natural transition back into the missions field and I’m so grateful for the timing of this working out so perfectly! I’ll be leaving from here to Chicago for a night with my family on July 16th and then flying out on the 17th to Zambia.

So far, including all pledged amounts I only have $350 of support left to raise, praise God! I’m still praying and trusting that He’ll provide all I need and am really quite overwhelmed with His goodness in provision. I didn’t expect to be so close to being fully funded before leaving!

In the next few weeks, please pray for my team that I will be meeting so soon, that all of our travels works out smoothly as one person is still waiting for some travel documents to arrive, and for our leaders as they prepare for our arrival that they will be deeply rested spiritually and physically and that all of them fully recovered from a bug that’s spread around a little bit. Please also continue praying for healing in my body and strength for me in my mentality as I do get discouraged in moments still not quite feeling like myself. DTS starts July 21st 😱😄🎉