Day one- here. we. go.

I am sitting with my 50 pound backpack on an airport floor here in Atlanta Georgia. Surrounded by about 40 eager teenagers ready to hop in a few vans and head to Gainesville. I got up at 3am to reluctantly leave my warm bed and head to the airport on 4 hours of sleep. Hey, but I did it, and its overwhelming, exciting, crazy, and nerve-racking all at once. After many friends already having left for college, these last two weeks have been an interesting time for me. Some sickness kept me weak and inside the first week but the whole time I have been in a period of waiting. Waiting to go, waiting to have to say goodbye, waiting to meet so many great people. 

Day five- oof a lot has happened

I got interrupted writing my first blog with our leaders showing up to pick us up from the airport. Since then I showed up to the AIM campus, set up my tent in a campsite with my team of 6 girls and another team of 6 girls. We are social distancing from other squads - and even the other half of my squad for the first two weeks to make sure we have no contamination. The georgia heat, humidity, tent sleeping, bugs, porta potty’s, bucket showers, and separation have been hard. But already the community, love, vulnerability, friendship, surrender, and growth have been worth it. 

Our day consists of 3 meals, varying teaching sessions, free time, team building, debriefs of things we have have been taught and other things we’ve learned. 

Yesterday we had our weekly sabbath, which will either be Saturday or Sunday each week. Taking a day to really REST. Whether that’s journaling, watercolor painting, diving into the word, napping, worshipping, or maybe even Netflix. However we can spend time with God and honor his wishes for us to rest with him. 

Today we are doing the notorious hike. A 2.2 mile trek in 38 minutes with all the stuff we packed for this whole first 3.5 months (thankfully besides our tent since it’s already set up). With a pair of shoes, water bottle, sleeping bag and pad hanging off, it’s nerve racking for sure. This is to mimic possibly walking miles to transportation on the field- which apparently is very common. We get a worship and prayer session before our squad sets out and special food after! (Update it was little caesars and it has never Tasted so good)

These things and many more, are designed to best prepare and disciple us to grow together, grow alone and be the best missionaries we can be when we set out on the field in January, and the best followers of Christ and disciples for the rest of our lives here. 

I cannot put into words the love I have for these people. And the stirring in my heart. This is the beginning of an incredible journey. I am so thankful for those who are in this with me, from previously donating or praying with me for transformation purely in line with Gods desires! I hope to update more, so definitely subscribe if you would like an email on any new post I do!!