Hello everyone! Today marks the start of my nine month journey overseas, and I am unbelievably excited for what the Lord will do while I am gone. I believe that the Lord will use me and my team to do His work around the world in awesome and fun ways. That being said, nerves definitely still play a role in how I am feeling. I am nervous for the unknown of what is coming, and the discomfort I will face. Yet through all of that I know that growth will happen for me and those around me when things are uncomfortable.

The Bible says this in James 1:2-4 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Maturity is reached after we persevere through the testing of our faith. This mission trip has already tested my faith and required me to trust God, and this trip will continue doing that the whole time I am gone. I am so ready to grow and mature in my faith and serve the Lord the best I can.

Life update: I sprained my ankle a little over a month ago and then on Wednesday, August 26 I rolled it again and cannot put a whole lot of weight on it. I am hopeful that it will not affect my service and my time at training camp but would still love your prayers for healing. On the positive side of things, my family and I got to road trip for almost two weeks to Grand Teton National Park! I had such a fun time camping and enjoying the gorgeous views while spending some quality time with the fam before I leave. My brothers and I even did an overnight backcountry hike to a lake we had to ourselves (It was freezing cold). Overall I am so thankful to have spent time with friends and family and hug just a little longer than normal to say goodbye.

Thank you all so much for supporting me with your prayers throughout my journey!

Blaze