As of a while ago, I am COMPLETELY FUNDED! The Lord has provided with abundance the amount of money needed to fund the trip, plus more! I am excited to see how He wants me to use it for the relationships I build over there (coffee talks, inviting new friends to the Brisbane Zoo, etc.) Thanks to everyone for listening to God's tug at your heart to support the trip.
The t-shirts have been passed out (except for a few girls still in Germany), and I get so happy when I hear how my friends are seeing each other around campus sporting their Australia shirts. Here's the task: if you have a shirt, take a picture of yourself wearing it in a unique spot. I know some of my friends are going to different countries this summer, so having a picture of someone wearing it in Africa, the Czech Republic, or any other really cool place (if you think your backyard is cool, that's good too!). Then, post it on Facebook and tag me in it or upload it to the Saustraliah event page.
I went to the "last" Australia meeting this past weekend in Nashville. I met 4 new teammates (a married couple who works with the kids ministry at their church (yay for HBS help!), a freshman Communications major, and a 5 year old girl named Emma (Nathan and Laura's daughter). I am so excited to see how God is going to use this "diverse" (as Mark called us) team of people to love each other and the people He strategically leads us to.
Interestingly enough, God is still teaching me more about Himself through my insecurities and doubts. This past week, I went through a "future" meltdown, and ended with a newfound appreciation for why I am here on this earth. God gently reminded me that it's not for me, but to bring glory to His name. Ultimately, I want my life to point to Him. So when I freak out about graduate school and the possibility of living in a dorm for the 5th year in a row, I realize how much of a blessing it is that I can represent Him here in Auburn, in Australia, and anywhere else He leads me. Funny thing: The Australia verse that is on the back of many of your shirts says,
"I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of You among the peoples. For great is Your love, reaching to the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let Your GLORY be over all the earth." Psalm 57:9-11
This is my mission. He is faithful, and because of this, I want to serve Him and bring Him glory.
