safe arrival.

Thank you to everyone who is a part of my life.  You are each such a blessing, whether you offered an encouraging word, listening ear, prayer, or financial gift, I thank you.  I arrived safely at the base in Brisbane yesterday morning.  My goal was to stay awake until 9pm, but I was in bed by 8:30pm...jet lag.  The weather is beautiful and it's so good to be here and to see so many familiar faces again.  I feel like I am returning from my home away from home.  Thank you so much for being a part of this journey and I look forward to what the Lord has in store!  I pray the Lord surprises you with His goodness today and reminds you how much He adores you:)

flipping omelets.

A couple weeks ago, I decided I wanted to learn how to flip omelets.  I shared by goal with a friend at work and we discussed the art of flipping omelets.  We discussed how you cannot try to do a half-flip, there is no 'playing it safe' when it comes to flipping.  In order to get the desired results, you must go all-in, you must fully commit, or you will end up with a giant mess and no omelet.  In order to come out with a good omelet, there is an element of risk involved.

This is very similar to our walk with the Lord.  Jesus asks us to walk on water with Him, to do the impossible.  I think that so often we try to put one foot in the water at a time before we commit to saying 'yes.'  We want to test the water to see how it feels, if it's comfortable and safe, we choose to focus on the water and our own well-being, instead of our Savior.  But Jesus never called us to a safe and comfortable life, He said 'follow me.'  End of story. God says in Revelation 3:16 "So because you are lukewarm- neither hot nor cold- I am about to spit you out of my mouth."  If we are following Jesus, we are either in or out, there is no middle ground.  Yet just as with flipping omelets, the more risk involved, the higher the potential reward.  If we risk everything for Jesus, He promises we will be rewarded, if not in this life, but in the life to come.

This morning, I went for it and my omelet was a complete, delicious success:)

less than 2 weeks.

The date of departure is quickly approaching.  I am so blessed to have such a wonderful community to support me, both in Michigan, South Carolina and all over the world.  Thank you for all of you who pray for me and give financially, you are so essential to this journey and I'm thankful for you.  I've had a great time scooping ice cream again at the Junction for the past couple months and catching up with family and friends.  I feel more ready to go as each day passes, but I'm still trying to drink in my last few days of Michigan summer.  The Lord is teaching me so much about learning to trust Him as my Provider.  I am learning more and more how important it is to "take every thought captive" and continually recite scripture to fill my mind with truth.  If our minds are filled with truth, there is no room for fear and anxiety to take over.  This has been one of my guiding verses over the past month.

"The Lord will guide you always.  He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land.  He will strengthen your frame.  You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose water never fails."  Isaiah 58:11

I am a little over half way with support raising, praise the Lord, but I still have a ways to go. If you're still interested in partnering with me on this journey, feel free to give even after I've left.  If you have not received any information on how to give and would like to, please email me at laurindarapp@gmail.com.