If you knew me before I left for the Race you know I tend to be the type of person to lead things or at least attempt to. Sports teams, clubs, group projects, if there was a way I would find it. Since arriving in Gainesville at AIM's base my posture regarding that has changed. I think as a person who has struggled to be a follower when it's needed the Lord is already moving in me, teaching me patience and kindness even when I want to scream because I feel like I could lead the team-builder better or it seems like the Lord was just playing a funny game by sending me here. Yesterday as I was walking to play volleyball with some people a girl on my squad stopped me and said she had something for me. When she opened her hand she had a bracelet with the word 'Follow' written on it. People who don't believe in Jesus would call that mere coincidence but the reality of it is that the Lord put that word on her heart for me because He knew that I need to allow myself to follow Him and to follow others over the next 9 months. Walking the path the Lord puts in front of us is tough sometimes and I would be lying to you if I told you the past week was anything but mentally, physically, and spiritually hard. I have been challenged in so many ways and my faith and personal salvation have been tested more times than once. There have been moments when I've fallen to my knees crying out to the Lord asking why He put me here. I am the least equipped person to spread the Gospel to world and yet I'm about to do it. Everyday I wake up in a damp tent, on the ground because my sleeping pad is lumpy, and continue to walk the path He has chosen for me the best that I can. That doesn't mean that when I'm eating rice and beans for breakfast again or washing stains out of my clothes in a bucket that I'm not wishing I was at home in my comfortable bed with plenty of snacks. It means that I'm choosing to trust God even when it seems like He is just really good at pranks. So as my squad and I grow together as a family through the laughs, fights, hugs, and jokes we continue to step out in faith, trusting that something beautiful will come from our mess. And as I push through fears and homesickness and everything else that comes from this lifestyle I get to learn more about God and His character every single day, and I get to learn how to follow Him blindly into anything He sends me to. 

In other news, I'm FULLY FUNDED!!! It is such a weight lifted off my shoulders to head onto the field knowing I'm supported in love and prayers and also financially. Thank you for your constant support and prayers, each and every one of you have made an impact on me and I wouldn't be here without you. Continue to pray for my squad and I and the people we will be meeting very soon! And reach out, I'd love to tell you more about the past 12 days here in Georgia. The Lord is already doing amazing things here. 

Love, 

Grace