Hi friends!!
28 days!! 28 days and I am on my way to Atlanta, Georgia to begin training. It is so crazy to have entered the month that I leave for this radical adventure. God is so good and I am so stoked to see Him move and work in the people that I meet and the lives that will be present on this trip.
Lots of people have asked if I am nervous about going on this mission trip. The short answer is no. The long answer is yes. To be honest, I am not nervous to go on the trip. I am beyond excited, eager, and giddy to be serving God halfway across the world. However, for some reason, I am nervous to leave. I am nervous that I won’t pack the right things or might forget something that I won’t be able to find in Thailand. I know it kind of sounds silly because realistically I feel like these kinds of things should be the least of my worries, but in reality, it is what I am nervous about the most.
Last night I went to a Chris Tomlin concert with four of my closest friends here at Whitworth. I grew up listening to Chris Tomlin so it was super cool to see him in person and to worship the Creator with my friends. Matthew 18:20 says, “For where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them.” Seeing the arena filled with people surrendering and praising the One who gave us life was so beautiful. The joy that I experienced when I looked over and saw my friends with their hands raised and worshipping, was unmatched. I have been so blessed that God brought this group of girls into my life and the trials and triumphs I have faced during my first year in college. My loving grandma would call this a “God wink.” I know that meeting these ladies was not a coincidence and God had it all planned out.
So, in 28 days I leave behind the atmosphere of freshmen year, jump into a ministry that will forever change my heart, and experience the Creator of the world in a way that I could’ve never imagined. I am so excited to build relationships by meeting people where they are at and hearing their unique stories that shaped them into who God created them to be. I am excited to share my experiences and the people that I engage with.
This past year, I have ended all my prayers or my journal entries with this:
Thank you Lord for this wonderful life I live, the people you have blessed me with, and this beautiful, yet temporary home I get to enjoy. Amen:)
Lots of love,
Rylee
Love you even more sweetheart! So excited to see what God has planned for you!
Rylee,
Patty and I received your little World Race postcard and are so excited for you! When does this all go down for you? What other countries will you be going to besides Thailand?
What’s so crazy is when Lucy was working in the Philippines, their organization received some World Racers that came through the country, so we’ve actually heard of this thing before. What specifically can we be praying about for you, Ry?
On a different note, tell us what you thought of your first year at Whitworth. Well, take care, and hopefully we’ll be in touch before you leave for your trip. Love you! Peace of Christ Jesus fill you!
uncle Rog and aunt Patty