For those of you who don't want to do the math I leave Thursday, January 12th, at 1:00 p.m.
quick update on finances: I have $9,500 raised right now! My goal is $10,000 (this will cover all my Youth With A Mission expenses and plane tickets). Thank you for all of you people who have supported me in prayer and finances! God is using you, no matter how little or how much you give!! Thank you.
(asia.com)
(Just to let you know this isn't going to be a looooong blog post; for two main reasons; One... because it's one in the morning; and two...because I'm going to have SO much to tell you next weekend after experiencing one week with the Aussies)
A lot of people have been asking me if I'm getting nervous. At first my response was not at all!
Second person that asked me, my response: no not really, maybe a LITTLE bit.
Third, I'm going to miss friends and family but I know I'm going to have a great time doing Youth With A Mission.
after the tenth person, I don't want to leave everyone! But I will go out of obedience to God.
It's been a struggle, not going to lie. I didn't think it was going to be this hard to say goodbye to everyone!
But I'm very thankful for this being a hard thing.
If you would have asked me last year if I would get on a plane, fly to Australia alone, and live there for 6 months doing Youth With A Mission, with only two days notice. I probably would've immediately said yes.
Up till a few months ago, I really didn't have any close friends.
I had many friends don't get me wrong, but not a whole lot of them were Christians...or they called themselves Christians and didn't live their life like they were. I had no one keeping me accountable on how I was doing with my Bible reading, and my daily walk with the Lord. No one who would go out of their way to say, "Hey let's go out to lunch tommorow and let's just talk, tell me how you're really doing." No one to come along side me and teach me, mentor me on how to grow and walk in the Lord.
As I sit here, tears rolling down my face, I can say God. is. faithful.
I have friends that I can just hang out and joke around with, friends that I can ask to pray for me, or I for them, without feeling akward.
I have mentors who are willing to come along side me and be there for me. To ask me not the simple; hey how are you doing....but the hey how are you REALLY doing. Their teaching, guidance, and kindness blow me away each and every day.
I am thankful for these people in my life.
I love them so much.
A person I care for dearly, and love with all my heart. A lady that has been there for me since I was in junior high told me something very wise today, "life is like a book. You are starting this new chapter in your life and there are many blank pages to fill, and how exciting is that! But just remember you cannot write the book in just one day (it takes time)."
Goodbyes and hugs have been the highlight of these last few days before I leave. Many tears have been shed, many gifts given, many promises to skype, email, and facebook.
But one thing that God has been making clear to me is; Yes I may be saying goodbye now, and I am starting a new chapter in my life, but this...this is only the beginning.
grateful,
mariah
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