The time has come!

I cannot believe that I will be on my way to Costa Rica in just 7 hours!! Needless to say, it's late and I'm definitely not getting much sleep tonight. I cannot believe that it's really happening. I was on my way to say bye to my friend tonight and said to God, "God, I hope I'm doing the right thing." I know I am. I think I just said that because it's hard to leave so many people that I love so dearly. You know, I was accepted to the DTS at the beginning of April so I've basically had 3 months to raise nearly $8000. It was down to the day before my departure but I received all the money I needed plus some extra!! It seemed like the blessings and miracles kept coming in this week. It amazes me! Between yard sales, donations, saving my money, etc God provided every single need!!! I know I'm going where He wants me to go and doing what I'm supposed to do and I am so very excited. When I was speaking with a very close friend the other day, God gave her a word for me and it was simply this, "You're ready." God has paved the way for me to be ready for this season in life...it's been years in the making but I AM READY!! But I must say, leaving is much harder than I thought it would be. I'm sure the five months will go by quickly but there are so many people and things to be missed. Part of it is also the realization that it's not just me going to Costa Rica for five months, it's a complete change in direction for my life...it's life-changing! I just know God is going to do amazing things in me and through me and come December 1st when I land in Austin, TX I will return a different woman. Stronger. Simplified. Courageous and bold. I will have a clearer direction for what's next and I will have such an intimate relationship with my Heavenly Daddy. I can't wait to see what's in store. Please pray for me as I go! My prayer is that I will do all God intends for me to do, learn all He wants me to learn, and be molded into the person He wants me to become. I look forward to new-found friendships and exciting experiences. I can't wait to share the awesomeness of God to people who don't know just how wonderful He really is. I'm going because I can't imagine doing anything else with my life. My deepest passion and desire is to carry God's love to people who need it most; to let them see the tenderness and hope that He has to offer. One of my best friend's, Kristy, always says, "Go big or go home!" So here I go, REAL big!!!