Prayer support.

So some awesome people have asked for more specific prayer needs so here is my attempt...
and I say attempt because there is so much unknown right now that it is hard to even know how to begin (that could be prayer request #1)...

- change can be overwhelming. experiencing a lot of that right now
- transition of communities
- particularly pray for our team going to Cambodia (Kristy and Adam: our leaders, Kristen, Britney, Hannah, and myself)
- For focus on the field and not be worried about what left at "home" and for family that doesn't really understand (so also for peace for them and patience for me)
- PEACE!
- health
- that God will break our hearts for what breaks His but also fill us up with overwhelming hope through Christ
- for the ministry to girls who have been victimized by sex-trafficking, that God continues to prepare our hearts and the details
- that we can also just have fun with it! joy!

Just pray for whatever else God puts on your heart to intercede for. Thanks for praying and supporting this! Can't wait to see what God is going to do. It really doesn't feel real that this is all about to happen.

Preparing for the unknown...

I am not sure how much I can update when I am actually in Cambodia but for those who want to remain a support and have been asking for specifics.. here's more into the transition and preparation process...

Just moved from the little, cute yellow house filled with housemates that have become like family. Graduated from college. Left those gates of Montreat, sent off from Missio Dei Church, and left the city of Asheville this past Sunday. What a whirlwind!

I had the chance to see some more family on the way down to Florida and now am back in my hometown at my parent's house. It is a weird transition and difficult preparing for experiences that I have no clue what may come. But I know, that it is working out and I am getting excited for this adventure ahead. All the financial part, which before seemed so big, is now covered!

Every detail is coming together. Every moment I become really discouraged a beautiful reminder occurs.. here is one example..

This past Sunday it became harder to leave than I thought and I was not really looking forward to this transition but then encouraged by a text with a reminder of amazing people that are waiting for me in good ole' St.Cloud. Then having Koffman and Carly pray over me. Then seeing a close friend I have not seen since 2008 who just showed up not knowing I would be there but such a blessing to both of us.

Then the reminder that great things are coming in Cambodia.. a girl that was adopted from Cambodia was there and told me how excited she was for me and gave me $1 towards my trip. This reminded me of the widow's offering and how humbled I was to accept this gift. Seriously, the Lord has been involved in every detail (and every dollar) and it is so cool to see it unfold.

For those who have been supporting me, whether financially or through the prayers and encouragement, THANK YOU!! You have no idea how much it means to have people behind this and giving me the courage to keep going.

So 12 days left..

Please pray for the time here in Florida and the preparation that is left
Pray for health!
For the rest of the team
For the girls that we will soon meet
For strength, energy, rest, excitement, and readiness.
And whatever else is placed on your heart to pray for :)

Some observations on life..

1. Watching a great sunrise is an amazing way to start the day
2. Road trips are better with friends
3. Southern sweet tea is simply wonderful
4. Children will love you regardless
5. Mosquitoes (aka skeeters) should not exist
6. People can be used in their weakness, and in their weakness made strong. And this can give others the courage to do the same
7. The key to many things is willingness; being willing can take you far to do things you never thought possible
8. A bit of challenge is usually better in the end.
9. If youth are valued and empowered, they can change the world, or at least their own.
10. There is a different view and perspective when on top of the mountain, and yet more so when you have worked hard to get there
11. You don’t have to be blood related to be family; family is those who know who you really are and love you no matter what
12. Food tastes so much better in the wilderness; Summer sausage and cheese adds to that
13. Being vulnerable, though may hurt, can result in deep friendships
14. We all have a story
15. No matter how many times you go down the Nantahala River, it will always be “fun-freshing”, and you do not really get used to it
16. Hope is powerful