I’ve traveled a lot over the years. I’ve been to 40 states, stayed in dozens of host homes and walked down a thousand jetways.

But today felt different. Even with my frazzled last-minute packing panic (you’d think I would have learned to avoid that) I sensed some kind of cosmic shift in the universe. It was like walking out of a cave and into the bright sunshine after a storm. From the outside, nothing has changed – I am wearing the same clothes, speaking in the same voice and carrying the same bags. But I see differently. Feel differently. View the future differently.

Maybe it sounds dramatic to say, but I really sense that I am walking across a bridge from everything I have known into everything I am going to be. And the next 43 days will each serve as a plank in path that leads to beautiful places. Maybe He really is making all things new.

SCHEDULE OVERVIEW

Here’s my basic itinerary:

July 2-17 Portland, OR 
July 17-21 Salem, OR
July 21-23 TBD, OR
July 23-27 Dallas, TX 
July 28-August 13 Tyler, TX 

Many adventures, roadtrips, friends and bucket list items are on the docket for these weeks. I am so excited!

MY THOUSAND GIFTS: A GRATEFULNESS CATALOGUE

• The chance to share my thank you/testimony on Sunday
• Introducing “All Glory Be To Christ” to the church with Kelsey
• My Community Group praying for me and speaking words of faith over me
• Beautiful saints meeting my financial needs with surprising gifts and gestures
• A pick-your-dinner and cupcake picnic “LaLa ‘Venture” with Lucy and Jude
• Sweet Frog, spider tattoos, wrestling and hugs with Nathan, Caleb and Luke
• Late night craft projects with Mom, Marybeth and Stephanie
• Brunch, advice and power outages with Paul and Lily
• Italian dinner and debrief with Mom and Dad
• Kitchen conversations with Andrew and Sara
• Coffee with my girls Christina, MaryAnn, Stephenia, Brittany, Kelsey and Riette
• Faith-building texts and notes and prayers
• Three days in Annapolis with Bethany and Elise + lunches with Lauren and Kate
• Three days of laughter, sharing, adventuring and planning with Paige in Raleigh
• Chicken wings and conversation at The Feed Store with Cindy in Atlanta
• Answered prayers for focus and peace during two days of job interviews
• Making my flight and American not weighing my bags
• Potstickers and woodland explorations with Shelby

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. That I would sit still at the feet of Jesus…resting, listening, restoring.
2. That I would be a life-giving blessing to the people around me.
3. That God would open up job opportunities for me while I am gone

Ready for takeoff, ready for ‎#43days, ready for all things new.

Hallelujah, Jesus is my life.