So...I leave in 2 days!!! No wait I leave in LESS than 48 hours for my orientation week in Stony Point, New York. I will then leave for Guatemala on Aug. 29th!
These last couple weeks have been really refreshing! I spent 4 days in the middle of the forest with my parents. We packed and rode horses up into the mountains in the Bud Love area around Buffalo, WY. It was a perfect way to enjoy the company of my beautiful parents and be reminded of the sovereignty and peacefulness of our God in the mountains. We cooked over an open fire, rode fly bitten horses, fished and ate little brookies, pumped crik water, climbed big rocks, watched Hank (the dog) run about 100 miles, slept for 12 hours/night in a cozy tent, ate a dehydrated ice cream bar and many other great adventures we won't be forgetting soon.
This past week I have slowly put together all the clothes, toiletries, books, and hobby stuff I will be taking to Guatemala. I continually pray for wisdom in what to take and what to leave behind! God has laid it on my heart this year to really learn to deny myself and take up my cross and part of that involves letting go of these wordly possessions I am so attached to that seem pretty silly when I really think about it (favorite clothes, accessories, the stuff that makes me comfy)....but my heart usually lags behind in learning these things. But as the final day for departure arrives I keep eliminating stuff and finalizing my packing! 2 check ins and 2 smaller carry ons!
I will be in Stony Point, NY this coming week for Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) orientation with about 70 other people who will be serving for a year in the states or internationally! This week will be full of preparation and legistics for our next year in our respective countries. What I am most excited for is lots of time spent with my Jesus, worship and fellowship and building new friendships with like minded people. I can't wait to live, love and learn! God makes life SOOOOO exciting and joyous!
I ask for prayers this coming week at orientation. I desire to really devote that week to God to prepare my heart for Guatemala. I know I could easily be overwhelmed by wanting to meet new people 24/7 but the other reality is that I will only be spending the next year with 3 of them in Guatemala. So I ask for prayers of wisdom in spending my time being with people and quiet time preparing my heart.
I also ask for prayers for travel safety and that all luggage would make it to New York and then to Guatemala without any delay or problem.
And last but not least....a big prayer for this next year is to live in the moment with God and not dwell on the past or the future. I want to know 'I AM!' It could be easy to spend this next year thinking about my past 5 years in college and missing that or thinking ahead to next year and wondering...hmm...where will I be then? I want to live in the HERE and NOW and listen to the Spirit!
My mom blessed me with a beautiful verse this morning:
Isaiah 42:1
"Look at my servant, whom I strengthen. He is my chosen one, who pleases me. I have put my Spirit upon him. He will bring justice to the nations."
God is sending me to Guatemala and I am confident He will give me strength to abide with Him there to answer His calling on my life!
