There is so much to update you guys on in this post! So many exciting things that God is doing as the year of waiting ends and the year of mission adventures begin! I don't know even where to begin, or what order to tell you guys everything in, but make sure you read this entire post because there are multiple things I want to share with you about my journey.

#1) WE MADE IT!!! THANK YOU!!! We have reached out $18,100 goal people! Although the money is still being processed, I have all that I needed for fundraising for my trip. If you are reading this, THANK YOU! You are one of the many, many people who prayed for and/or financially contributed to my trip's fundraising. We've done it guys! The victory ice cream has been eaten and enjoyed!

#2) Even though my personal fundraising is done, my team and squad's fundraising is not done. You guys have been a tremendous blessing to me. One thing that I realized during this year of fundraising is that the body of Christ is wanting to serve, they just need the opportunity. SO, if you or someone you know is still wanting to serve the Lord through generosity I have several people on my team and squad that could use YOU  (Yes, you! The person reading this!) as a blessing. Please consider being their God-sent answer to their prayers for provision. If you are unable to give financially to these people, please take a moment to look at their blog profile picture and intentionally pray for them. That will cost you nothing, but a few intentional minutes of your day. Here are links to only a few of my fellow racers that could use your help:

My team members (people I will be living beside the 11 months):

https://hannahernsthausen.theworldrace.org/

https://amandablakley.theworldrace.org/

https://elleluly.theworldrace.org/

My squad members (people on other teams that are going on the same route for the 11 months):

https://cimoneortega.theworldrace.org/

https://tylerlebeau.theworldrace.org/

https://levicorbett.theworldrace.org/

https://sarahpippin.theworldrace.org/

https://katieschroeder.theworldrace.org/

https://sarahhickman.theworldrace.org/

https://victoriaborgela.theworldrace.org/

(If you go to their blog sites, you can subscribe to follow their personal journeys and see how your support and prayer for them has impacted the world. Also, you can see other squadmates on the sidebar who could use prayers and support as well since I did not include everyone on this list)

#3) WE HAVE A ROUTE CHANGE. As most of you know, Haiti was supposed to be our first month of ministry. Unfortunately, there are multiple problems occurring in Haiti right now due to threats of gas prices increasing. For our squad's safety, our leadership team has decided that it would be in our best interest to not be overwhelmed with the things happening in Haiti during our first month on the race. They have not revealed our new location to us yet, but as soon as I know I will let you know. Please continue to pray for Haiti, and start praying for the new country that we will be visiting. This is a part of God's plan, and our squad strongly feels like God is up to something big with this route change.

#4) Departure time is coming soon! Many of you have followed me on this journey since last August, and some of you are just now getting to join in on the fun. We have become an unstoppable team together as we all have prayed and worked together to make it happen. AND NOW IT'S ACTUALLY HAPPENING!!! I am beyond excited for this 11 month journey to begin. August 3 is approaching quick, along with all of the excitement and nervousness. Please be praying for my family and me as we say our temporary goodbyes. Please pray for my squad as we get ready for an adventure with God that will forever change our lives. Please pray for the countries we are going to, specifically for the people we will be encountering. And lastly, please pray for continuing support. Just because one goal is reached doesn't mean that the whole goal is reached. Support will be need for the entire 11 months and for the return home. Prayers, encouragement, and partnering together is something that shouldn't end when one goal is reach. As the body of Christ, there is always another cause to work together towards. My hope is to see the community being built in support of my World Race journey continue to move forward as one body to make a difference in any circumstance that God brings us into through the next year. I hope to bring more opportunities for people to continue to give, continue to pray, continue to come together for the Kingdom of God.

It is the most beautiful thing to witness the church doing exactly what God has called it to do. Thank you guys for being faithful servants of the Lord. I'm praying that this year is a year of growth for all of us. God has already proven that this mission trip started when He began to bring all of us together to fight for people's hearts around the world.

Here is a friendly reminder of the countries we are going to in order: (First month unknown), Dominican Republic, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Nepal, India, Romania, Albania, Bulgaria, and Serbia. Please be praying for these countries!