We are officially so close to launching & the beginning of living out something that has been a huge part of life since December. The past 9 months have consisted of so much prayer, fundraising, and conversation with those who ask “what are next year's plans”. I have thought about The Race pretty much every day since December 9th when I first applied, everything leading up to this point has been the best and I am so incredibly blessed to be where I am. With the countdown to The Race becoming so short, the only word I can think to describe everything is surreal; if you were to tell me that I would be taking a gap year to sleep in a tent in Georgia (ok, it's more than just that but..) I would have never believed you. 

To write this and say that I am beyond excited to leave everything in a month, move to a new state to live with a bunch of people I’ve never met would be a lie. I am terrified. Like so so scared. I wanted to capture these honest and raw feelings in a physical way so that I have it as something to look back on, and what better place to write these emotions, than my blog?! 

I know that this fear does not come from the Lord, in fact it is the enemy attempting to instill in me that what I am going to live out is something I should be scared of. Another reason for putting my feelings and words in a place where others can read instead of something like a personal journal, is so I can vulnerably invite those who have supported me financially and prayerfully, to pray for me in this specific way. 

I have learned so much in this time of fundraising and preparing for the World Race, one of those things being how to keep your cool when you mess up the banana bread for the bake sale fundraiser anddd that I am not a fan of change. I am excited for a new chapter, but that comes with leaving things behind. Leaving behind things that have become important to me. My friends, my little sister, my room, & dogs to name a few.Living 791 miles away without these things is going to be challenging but I find comfort & peace knowing the Lord has his hands on my life, here & in Georgia. 

For those who have supported me in any way: THANK YOU so much for joining in with me on this, it's only the beginning :) 

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10 

Love, 

Kayla