53 days, that’s all that is left before Launch. As exciting as that is, I would be lying if I said it wasn’t nerve racking at the same time. Those days are all that is left in this place that I call my home, all that is left with the people I love so dearly, and all that I have to wait to see my new family again. 53 days to be intentional with the Lord, experience the word where I am, and figure out how to prepare my heart as much as I can for this new season that the Lord has called me into.
This calling was not out of nowhere, it has been years in the making. Ever since I was young, I have loved the idea of missions and going overseas to serve the Lord. When I heard about the World Race Gap Year program, there was an immediate pull on my heart, but I was unable to do anything about it since I was a Junior in high school at the time. For two years, I pondered the idea of it and wrestled in whether or not I should even apply for the Race. Eventually, the Lord gave me the courage to actually apply, which then turned into interviews, and finally an acceptance into the Gap year. That was not the end of the process though. There was more wrestling with my “yes” to the race, and if the Lord was actually calling me to take a leap of faith and trust Him to provide. There had to be a “yes” in starting to fund raise, a “yes” in buying the gear/equipment/etc to actually be able to go, and a big “yes” in choosing to be intentional with the 30+ new relationships that will eventually turn into my family.
In all of that, the Lord has remained so faithful and worthy of praise. In times of doubt, He has done nothing but reassure, in times of fear, He has comforted, in joyful moments, He has laughed with me, and in the tears, He has proven Himself worthy of the heartache. He is so unbelievably worthy to be praised.
To my fellow racers, I am so beyond excited to live life with you, grow with you, and experience Jesus in endless ways. To my friends, thank you for walking with me in this journey and for the support, love, and encouragement you have shown me as I have chosen to embark on this journey. And finally, to my family, thank you for loving/supporting me so well, for covering me endlessly in prayer, and for joining with me as I have begun this walk in faith.
So here’s to 53 days of living with intentionality of where I am currently, but yet living expectantly for the future and the adventures it will bring. My friends, I will see you in a few short days.
I love you all dearly, and thank you again
– Nat <3
Love you, sweet Natalie! Love especially your honesty and desire to engage with God in all He has for you, no matter where you are or who you are with! Excited to see all that God is doing in your life!
Natalie, I am behind you 100% as you take this step of faith! I am and will continue to pray for you as God works in and through you and will watch for your updates. We will miss you big time! Love, Your Grandmother
Dear Natalie,
Grandpa and I are excited to see the Lords work in your life as you walk this out in the day to day adventures ahead of you. May His protection guide you, comfort and assure you. We pray you will be able to hear His voice as you seek to follow after Him.
We love you, we will pray for you as you step out in faith. May it grow deeper each day.
Grandma & Grandpa H.