Hey everyone!

I officially leave for training camp in just 3 days!! This summer has absolutely flown by, and it doesn't seem real that my gap year trip starts this week. Before I go, I wanted to write about some updates, things the Lord has been teaching me, and some prayer requests as I'm preparing to go!

This summer I have truly learned so much as I have stepped into the calling He has on my life. Just a year ago, I would've never imagined that this is what my life would look like, and if someone told me then what I'm doing now, I don't think I would've believed them. I've seen firsthand just how quickly things can change, and how your own plans can get turned upside down. But I have also seen firsthand all the beauty that comes with such sudden, and unexpected change. The Lord really does work in mysterious ways, and through some of the hardest times in my life, He has turned it around into something even better than what I thought I wanted.

When I knew I was being called to go on this gap year trip, I knew that the Lord would provide a way for me to go. Looking at what seemed like all I had to do in order to make this possible, it didn't even seem possible. But this summer I have seen God move in ways I never have before in my life. Up to this point in my life, I've never had to carry such a big financial burden around. Fundraising for this trip has been challenging, refining, and has led me to step out of my comfort zone in various ways. But as I invited the Lord into this process, He stepped in and opened doors I couldn't have even thought were possible. Starting out, I found myself really struggling with the idea of fundraising; I didn't really understand it, and honestly I didn't want to do it. But now that I'm about to leave I can see so clearly why they have us fundraise/support-raise, and I'm thankful for it. Fundraising for this trip has been a season within itself; a season where I've had to fully trust that the Lord will provide, and will continue to show up in ways I couldn't have guessed or ever imagined. It's been such a good way to start this new journey of fully leaning on the Lord and trusting Him with so many unknowns, and uncertainties. All this goes to say, that I'm so thankful for this season I've had before leaving for the World Race, and that I can see so much fruit from the struggle and surrender that the fundraising process has brought me.

As I've been preparing for this trip, the Lord has revealed so much to me. God is the God of enough. There is always enough, and there is always an abundance. When you fully rely on Him, you will lack nothing. Psalm 23 has been on my heart as I've been trying to figure out all the things I need, versus the things I want to bring, and I've been reminded that; "The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want." I've realized that I've had so much fear that there is not enough, and that I won't have enough. When you live with so many comforts in such a privileged society, it seems so normal to have much more than what you need. That is the standard, and that is the reality of how I've lived my whole life. I am extremely grateful for all the blessings I have, and for the privileges and gifts that I have grown up with, but trying to pack down everything I need for the next 9 months into a backpack that has to be under 40 pounds has really made me reflect on what my needs actually are. There is so much extra, and there is so much consumerism, and it's all "normal." I'll be the first to say that for years I've struggled with it. But the Lord is constantly reminding me that He goes before me, and behind me, and wherever He is, there is enough. I lack nothing, because He is my Shepherd, and He is my provider. I'm thankful that He's been revealing this to me, because there is so much peace that comes with knowing I shall not want, because He is already in control. I know that this trip is going to be refining, and sharpening in so many ways, and though I'm sure it will be hard, I'm excited for everything He's going to teach me.

The Lord is so good, and I'm constantly reminded of His goodness. I'm beyond excited to share of His love and goodness to so many people who are loved by Him, and chosen by Him!

As the days have been flying by, and now the countdown is truly on, your prayers would be such a blessing!! Right now, I would love to have prayer for peace, and that there would be no room for anxiety or fear to creep in. Prayer for a discerning spirit and mind, as well as for the Lord's comfort in these next few emotional days/weeks would also be amazing! Lastly, I would love to have prayer over the start of this adventure (starting the 28th!!), and for unity and strength within each squad and team!

Thank you for reading, but more importantly, thank you for praying. Much more to come so soon!!

Ella Thoma