Wow, I have finally joined the world race family. I have waited so long for this journey and thought I was ready for this amazing life changing experience. 

Wrong. I was not ready still not sure if I am or not, but here we are. 

I got here on Saturday night after saying see ya in 9 MONTHS to my family, and bawling my eyes out the whole time. I pretty much proceeded to cry all night and most of the next morning. I was so confused why this was so hard and why God would call me to do something that I absolutely hated for 9 MONTHS. Today (wednesday) is the first day I have not cried, and only because I forced myself not to cry. So life has been pretty crazy but, God has been teaching me so much through this process and making me realize that I am not here for myself but for the Lord and to make his name known to all the nations. 

My devotional one morning was called ready for battle, based on Ephesians 6:10-24. It talks about putting the armor of God and being strengthened by the Lord. In my devotional it talks about how Paul told the Ephesians to dress for battle because the battle is real and ongoing, and we have to be prepared for it. This battle is not any ordinary battle so we must be equipped with the best armor available. 

“10 finally be strengthened by the Lord and His vast strength. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 This battle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens.” 

In my devotional it talks about how Paul told the Ephesians to dress for battle because the battle is real and ongoing, and we have to be prepared for it. This battle is not any ordinary battle so we must be equipped with the best armor possible. So even though I was not completely prepared for this battle, the Lord is working and preparing me for what is to come. 

The last day I was at home my dad gave me a stuffed tiger and told me to fight like a tiger, no matter what comes my way. I did not realize how hard it would be to actually have to fight for the desire to be here and to walk in the way that He has called me. I know these next 9 months are not going to be easy but I know the Lord is on my side and although I definitely do not have it all figured out and I still want to go home some days, the Lord never promised me comfort or ease but he did promise that he would deliver me, protect me, and be with me in trouble (psalm 91:14-16) 

Also because I know y’all wanted to see, here’s a picture of my tiger :)