Leaving the Adventures in Missions campus in Gainesville, Georgia for our ministry opportunity with Samaritan's Purse was the first time our squad "broke the safety bubble" of our little community. It's something we've all been anxiously awaiting.

During this time of leaving Georgia, I've truly felt the abundance of God's provision. As much as I appreciate our life in Georgia on campus, it's been hard for me, both physically, mentally, and emotionally. It's prompted me to constantly pray for God's perspective on things: for a positive attitude and contentment despite my circumstances. It's been a process of loosening my entitlement to comfort. Philippians 4:11-13 has been heavy on my heart and mind. It says, 

"Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."

This is a super valuable lesson for me to dwell on, and I've still been focusing on it throughout this time. However, I feel like the Lord has been giving me blessings upon blessings in this time of abundance - and many of the things are stuff that I wouldn't necessarily have realized as blessings if it weren't for our situation back in Georgia. Amazing hot showers, flush toilets, sleeping indoors, plentiful hot food, the freedom to go into gas stations, stores, etc., and just the opportunity to interact with other people and go to new places. All these things are often and easily taken for granted in our privileged daily lives.

And then on top of our wonderful opportunity in Louisiana to serve, just when it looked like things were getting cut short, we ended up with above and beyond what we would have had if things had gone according to plan! Because of the hurricane, our squad got a short time of sabbath rest at the Bird's hospitable home in Texas, and I was able to see sweet family friends as well (shoutout to the Gordons!) This short rest period really helped prepare our squad for the full week of ministry that followed. And the ultimate blessing was being able to come back to Louisiana and continue serving with Samaritan's Purse after hurricane Delta! Isn't it crazy how God works?! I think God has been showing me through these experiences that even though there will be times of famine, there will also be times of feasting - and we should worship and thank him in both seasons!

I would challenge you to think about your interactions with God in different seasons of life. Are you praising him in the calm and in the storm? In the feast and the famine?

I am so grateful for this time of ministry; a time to put serving into action and help others selflessly, all the while being a reflection of Christ's love.

I would love prayers for a lasting spirit of gratitude even when my circumstances change. 

Thank you so much for reading! Praise the Lord, I met my last fundraising deadline, and I am now at $10,523 raised! Hallelujah! To all who've supported me, thank you thank you! My next fundraising deadline is coming up quickly on November 15th, and I'll need $12,000 fundraised! That means I need $1,477 in less than a month. Please pray about me meeting the deadline, and if there's any way you can help -- prayer is so powerful, and even if you can't donate or already have, sharing my story with others is another huge way you can help me!

Until next time! There will be some exciting news coming up soon!

your reward for reading to the end is this picture of delicious biscuits and gravy! Carol was the most amazing cook! we love her!