Preparing To Leave

It's incredible to think that my plane leaves in less than a week. Up until a few days ago, none of this has really felt very...real. I went from working hard in my classes and job, to not having to worry about either of them and suddenly having a million things that need to get done and zero time to do it. The amount of unknowns involved with this trip is a little overwhelming for a control freak like myself, but I think that giving up CONTROL and having more FAITH is one of the biggest lessons I'll learn on this journey. 

Along with the uncertainties and stress is a whole lot of joy. I haven't  felt so much of it in a long time, though I think that kind of joy comes more readily when you are being obedient to what God is asking of you. I honestly feel like I am bursting at the seams with excitement for what comes next. I have definitely had my anxieties about the trip, but God continues to push me and prove how much bigger than those anxieties he really is. 

One of the biggest components of the trip that I've had to "worry" about is finances. From the day I decided to apply to YWAM Toowoomba Music DTS, I knew that it was going to be a pricey trip. When I got accepted, I was overjoyed and instantly nervous about the money part. Being the sassypants that I am, I said "Alright God, if this is what I am supposed to do, you need to pay for it, because I can't handle the strenuous schedule of the DTS and worrying about money, so if you could pay for it in full that would be cool". Within days of this conversation I had offers for side jobs flowing in. God provides! I worked really hard all summer and fall to raise the funds I needed on my own, I didn't want to have to ask people for money because that just wasn't something I'm comfortable with. Eventually I received another nudge and wrote the letters and set them out. Promises of support, and actual checks started flying in, God provides! (Seeing a pattern yet? ;)) 

Not only have I been able to make all of my tuition payments in full, but ahead of schedule, with money left over for my next payment. I have been completely blown away by God's response to my anxious demands for money, and can't wait to see how he is going to use this DTS to shape me and how I will play a role in other people's journeys. 

Now that the finances are completely in His hands, I can worry about packing my life into boxes for storage, and then put the rest in my backpack. I think Friday will be a big day for packing and finishing cleaning because I won't have to worry about packing something that I still need. My last Sunday with my Southside family is fast approaching and I'm not really sure how I'll react yet... This week has been filled with cleaning and goodbyes. I have a few more people to hang out with and birthdays to celebrate, and then I just have to...go! 

Oh just as a heads up, I'm not really planning on proof reading these, so Grammar Nazis beware! Hopefully I can continue posting at least once a week to keep my wonderful church family, and friends up to date on my adventures.