Firstly, last weekend (a week ago) I was commissioned at St. John's (my home church) during the Saturday night and Sunday morning services. It was beautifully written and lovingly given - I felt so supported and prayed-for! What a blessing and encouragement for me to have my church at my back answering in unison that they would pray for me during my year in missions.
Secondly, on Monday before leaving for my week-long launch conference (the Global Stint Briefing) I received the final check that put me over the edge - I am now officially 100% supported for the next year! A big thank you to all who have prayed and given, and especially to God for coming through and providing in some truly amazing ways! I am so grateful and amazed by the things He has done this summer through the generosity of His people.
Thirdly, as I mentioned, this past week was the Stint Briefing. What an incredible experience! I spent the week surrounded by amazing young people from all over the United States sent out to all corners of the world - from Australia to India, Japan, East Asia, Africa, the Middle East, South America, Russia, and Europe. We were all gathered in one place, called by God from totally different campuses and experiences, to go to the nations with one goal and purpose. What a beautiful testimony to the way God works and His heart for reaching the nations!
It was a great week of challenging speakers, practical teaching, corporate worship, and group bonding. I was inspired and challenged by so many of the things I heard at this conference - it is truly an honor for me to serve alongside so many incredible people of faith! I also really enjoyed the chance to get to know my teammates better - both the 1st year girls going with me and the 2nd year girls going back to Montpellier. It was a great time of fellowship and getting to know one another better.
All in all, lots of "God things" to celebrate as I have seen and experienced Him moving in truly unbelievable ways. I am so blessed, honored, and grateful to have the privilege of serving Him this year and sharing Him with the students I will meet! Thanks to all for your support and prayers - and thanks for celebrating every victory along the way with me as well! I can't wait to see what God will do this year!
In the meantime, I'll be doing some last-minute "traveling" to Milwaukee, Champaign-Urbana, etc. to visit, get some hugs, and say goodbye to so many wonderful friends and family before I leave September 2nd! A bientot!
(the whole group at the Global Stint Briefing)
