Hi Friends!

In just a few days, I’ll be boarding a flight to Atlanta for training! Then I’ll be heading to Guatemala for a month-long mission trip. The excitement is REAL!!!! 😄 All thank to you guys!

First things first: I’m officially 100% funded!! 🎉

Even as I type those words, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. Just a couple of weeks ago, I was feeling unsure of how I’d reach my fundraising goal. I had been praying and trusting, but still wondering how it would all come together.

One night, while chatting with a friend, she mentioned she wanted to donate toward the trip. Later, after praying about it, she told me the amount God had placed on her heart to give. It happened to be the amount I had left to raise! She had no idea what the number was, but God did. Moments like that remind me just how personally and precisely God provides.

And her story isn’t the only one. Many of you gave, prayed, and encouraged because you were listening to what God put on your heart. That kind of obedience and support has been such a powerful reminder that God works through His people to accomplish His purposes. He is so good.

This whole fundraising journey has grown my faith in unexpected and beautiful ways. It’s been a process filled with awe, joy, and a deep sense of partnership. Not just between me and you, but between us and God.

Every gift, every prayer, every encouraging word has reminded me that I’m not just going, I’m being sent. And being sent means I don’t go alone. I carry your love, your belief in what God is doing, and most importantly, I go led by the Holy Spirit.

As I’ve been packing, I’ve also been reflecting on what’s truly essential to bring along. So far, I’ve really dialed in my priorities for travel day:

– Snacks

– Snacks

– Oh, and… more snacks.

At this point, I think my backpack’s extra weight might end up being 85% bars 🙃 May need to reassess tomorrow 😂

Then today I’ve been thinking about what to pack spiritually. The things that come to mind are:

• Faith that God will bring me to the right people and situations to help me spread His word in natural ways.
• Love to give to all of these amazing children and families I will be with!
• Boldness to share my story and God’s love.
• Peace that surpasses all understanding. Knowing I am right where I need to be and I can rest in His arms as I go.
• Joy! I am so excited to share the joy that only comes from God to others. And to let His love and kindness shine through 🤍

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…”       - Galatians 5:22–23

I’m praying this trip isn’t just about doing things for people, but truly being with people. Learning, listening, and reflecting the love of Christ.

As I go, I’d love your continued prayers:

•For unity within our team

•For God to prepare the hearts of the people we’ll serve

•For my own heart to remain soft, steady, and surrendered

•And for God to be glorified in everything

Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you gave financially, prayed, or encouraged me along the way, you’re part of this mission. And I’m so grateful!

I’ll be sharing more along the way, so stay tuned.

Here we go. ✈️

With much love,

Grace 🤗