5 days till Kolkata

this time next week i will be experiencing the sights, sounds, smells and emotions of kolkata. my brain is constantly running through all the things i need to remember to pack, all the people i want to see, and all the things i want to eat before i go. it all seems like it is coming too quickly but in reality this process has spanned the entire last year from the time God called me to wash feet in india to now. there have been ups and downs throughout this process but as my departure date draws closer i am excited to see how a big God is working in the very dark and oppressive city of kolkata. i am excited to pour into the people and be a light and give them hope. i have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of support and encouragement for my trip. i look forward to sharing my adventures with you.

9 days

i am currently on hold with my bank to set travel notifications so i wont be stranded in kolkata with no money. its crazy that this journey which seems like such a long time in the making is finally upon me and the departure date is rapidly approaching. there are so many little last minute things to do like calling banks and buying little last minute things. the part i am dreading the most is saying goodbye. as often as i travel, saying goodbye never gets any easier. it is hard to leave my small group girls as they start their senior year of high school. it is crazy to think that when i get back one of my friends will be a mother. life changes so much in four months. i look forward to investing in the people of kolkata over these next four months.

God's timing vs. my timing....

i have learned a very humbling lesson in the last week. God's timing is always perfect and i need to let go of things i can't control. the last 7 days has left me emotionally, spiritually and physically drained. a week ago, the high school pastor i have worked alongside for the last 3 years decided to leave 2 weeks before my departure to india so my high schoolers were dealt a double dose of leader "abandonment". i was also doing vbs for 1-5th grades as the snack time entertainer which was physically demanding because i had to be all smiles and laughs for 4 hours in the blazing heat. to add to the mix, i found out one of my friends had a serious medical condition that is potentially super dangerous. to me, all these things felt like it was showing me i needed to wait to go to india. to most other people, it was clear that God was going to do amazing things through me in india and satan was just throwing in some speed bumps. this is where letting go comes in. i know the four months will fly by and my small group girls will be in very capable hands. God has called me to india at this time so i will be faithful to follow Him and His timing. people keep asking if i have started packing or if i'm ready to go yet. to be honest, i am taking it one day at a time. my mind is currently here with my high schoolers and friends. i know packing and preparing will get done. that is something i have had to let go of. God is good. God is faithful.

here are things to pray for:
-i need to keep perspective that God is in control
-mental preparation for living in india
-the remainder of my financial support will come in before i leave
-peace and comfort for my high schoolers