Transitioning from one year to the next always brings about reflection. But with the way that school is split up into semesters, I always knew that I was going to just jump right back in where I left off in December. Yes the date on the top of my papers changed, but I was still in the same space, with the same people, doing relatively the same thing. 

The first time this wasn’t the case was in January 2021. This semester I still went to school but unlike most college seniors, I went back to middle school. Thinking back on where I started the year in an 8th grade history class until now preparing to leave on the World Race, I have learned so much about who I am as a person and who the Lord is. So here are a few of the things that I learned in 2021.

• At times, 8th graders are very very weird. But they can also be the sweetest kids ever. Its definitely a balance. 
• Compromise is sometimes the best policy.
• Stand your ground, but do it with grace.
• It is normal and good to make mistakes when trying something new. It just means you are pushing yourself outside of your comfort box. 
• Sometimes when people act out, all they are wanting is to be loved and appreciated. 
• Be intentional with those around you. You are impacting them more than you know.  
• Sometimes you need to come home after a long, difficult day of work (or middle school) and not be productive, and that’s okay. 
• Having a coffee in your hand makes everyone feel more confident. 
• Everyone needs friendship. And leaning into those friendships makes life so much sweeter. 
• God provides in unexpected ways. 
• Think before you speak or act. 
• The Lords plan is so much better than something I could have ever thought up.

While I am sure there are tons of other things that I have learned in 2021, these are the big ones that stick out. 

January 2022 being tomorrow seems like a dream. When the January 2022 World Race Routes were released I felt like I had all the time in the world to prepare for this journey. With student teaching, graduation (Go Cats), rodeos, and moving home this moment snuck up on me. Now, in just 7 days I will be boarding a one-way flight to Georgia. And in 8 days I will be reunited with my squad mates and leaders at Launch for some last minute training before heading to Guatamela.

My bags still need packed (and probably unpacked and repacked) and there’s still things to be organized. 

Feelings of being overwhelmed, excited, and nervous circle in my head, but I believe that it will all come together just as the Lord intended. 

As 2021 comes to a close I am extra thankful for

• My family supporting me as I lean into what the Lord has for me
• Friends that have become like family 
• My N-Squad ‘22 squad mates I get to walk this journey with

Over the next few days leading up to Launch could you please pray with me? 

• All of my squad mates and I trying to condense down our pile of “stuff” into our big pack 
• Comfort for us as we prepare to leave 
• Comfort for our families and friends during this transition time 
• Traveling mercies as we all travel to Georgia and then to Guatamela 

Thank you for being on this journey with me :) this is only the beginning 

p.s. I had a friend share this as we are headed into the new year

“You are not required to justify your existence on earth through constant improvement. You are not a Fortune 500 company. You don’t have to show increasing profits. You don’t have to earn your right to be here by putting yourself to higher and higher standards. You just get to be here. You belong here. You are loved.”