Well, we officially made it to Gainesville, Georgia!

And wow... it has already been an adventure.

There have definitely been some adjustments. I've experienced porta-potties, interesting food portions, sleeping in tents, and even my first laundromat! And honestly, the laundromat was wondertul. Who knew doing laundry could

become an exciting experience?

I've also had some interesting encounters with food. I almost faced the infamous jelly and cheese sandwich-something I only remember my mom talking about growing up. I never thought I would actually reach the day where I had to try one... but apparently, that day came.

Except... I didn't actually try it. I ended up having a piece of bread with jelly instead, which somehow makes the story even funnier. So I guess I still have to officially conquer the jelly and cheese sandwich someday. I have, however, tried spoiled milk, so I feel like I deserve at least some credit.

Most of the food has actually been pretty good! It definitely has its moments, but I know this is only the beginning of the food adventures I'm going to have once we get into the field.

But beyond all the funny adjustments, God has already been teaching me so much.

One of the most beautiful moments so far happened during worship. Everyone gathered around the cross, and there was just this overwhelming sense of the Holy Spirit's presence in the room. It's hard to explain because it wasn't something you could really put into words. You could just feel that God was moving.

It was one of those moments where you just stop thinking about everything else and realize, God is here. Eventually, I went up to the front and worshipped with some of my friends, and honestly... I don't even know how to describe that moment. It was so beautiful and so supernatural. There was so much joy, freedom, and love for the Lord all around us.

It's a moment that I know I'll carry with me for a long time.

We've also gotten to experience baptisms, which was absolutely beautiful. Getting to witness people publicly declare their faith and take that step of obedience was such a special thing to be a part of.

I've met some really amazing people here, too.

There's something so special about living in community with people who are all here for the same purpose. We're sleeping in tents together, eating together, worshipping together, laughing together, and learning together. It's definitely different from anything I've experienced before, but I'm so grateful for the people God has placed around me.

I've also been given the opportunity to serve as a worship coordinator! That means I'll be working with a few other people in my group to help organize worship nights. We'll get to create spaces for worship, communion, prayer, fellowship, and simply being together in the presence of God.

At first I was not happy about it and was a little caught off guard like woah what in the world is that? But after a long time of consideration and a training class, I am SO excited about this. Worship is something that means so much to me, so getting to help create those moments for our team is such an honor.

We also already hiked Mount Yonah, and let me tell you... that was INTENSE.

I found out afterward that it's actually used as an Army training area, which definitely made me feel better about how hard that hike was. But the view was absolutely incredible. Standing there and seeing what God created was completely worth it.

And tomorrow, we're heading to Adrian, Georgia!

We'll be helping set up a AIM disaster relief center specifically for hurricanes, tornadoes, and other situations where people need practical help.

We'll be helping renovate the building, fill it with supplies and resources, and pray over the center and the work that will happen there. We don't know every single detail of what we'll be doing yet, but we are SO excited to be a part of it.

We've prayed for this opportunity, and now we get to help build something that will hopefully be used to serve people during some of the hardest moments of their lives-and to show them the love of Jesus.

We'll be there for a week, and then...

GUATEMALA...!!!! Yayayayayayayay

I seriously cannot believe that Guatemala is already getting so close.

I'll be honest: I miss my family. There are definitely moments when I wish I could just go home, hug everyone, and sleep in my own bed. But even

in those moments, I'm so incredibly grateful that God has given me this opportunity. I haven't faced a ton of huge trials yet, but I know that doesn't mean they won't come. Instead of worrying about what might be difficult, I'm trying to enjoy this season and recognize just how much God has already given me.

I'm learning that gratitude isn't only about being thankful when everything is easy. Sometimes gratitude is choosing to say, "God, thank You," even when things are unfamiliar, uncomfortable, or completely different from what I'm used to.

And right now, I have SO much to thank Him for.

I'm also currently 76% funded!

That is absolutely incredible, and I am so thankful for everyone who has given, prayed, encouraged me, shared my story, or supported me in any way.

One of my biggest prayer requests right now is that God would provide the remaining funding so l can be fully funded for this trip. If you feel led, I would absolutely love for you to pray over that-not just for the money itself, but that God would continue to provide exactly what is needed and that I would trust Him throughout the entire process.

So far, this trip has already been filled with things I never expected: porta-potties, tents, spoiled milk, almost eating jelly and cheese, laundromats, mountain hikes, baptisms, beautiful worship, new friendships, and so many opportunities to serve.

And somehow, through all of it, God keeps reminding me:

He is worth it.

He is worth it all.

Every moment. Every trial. Every laughter. Every cry.

I don't know exactly what the next nine months will hold. I don't know everything l'Il experience in Guatemala or the countries after that. But I know the One who does.

And I'm so excited to see what He does next.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me.

Thank you for praying. Thank you for supporting me. And thank you for helping me get to this point.

Next stop: Adrian, Georgia.

Then... Guatemala.

Let's see what God does.

I love you all.