Unbelievable...
6 whole years later, and I'm seriously
ALMOST THERE!
My hope to join Youth With a Mission for a Discipleship Training School began 6 years ago, and I really can't wrap my mind around the fact that I am going...in roughly 3 months! The fundraising portion is nearly complete and all of the details are just coming together smoothly. I still have a huge laundry list of things to take care of before I leave, but I am starting to see that finish line...that beautiful finish line!!!
Speaking of finish lines, I have been doing a lot of training and trying to prepare myself for the Indy Mini-Marathon. This will be my second time doing the race, and I'm very excited about it! It's been a real journey in itself, just trying to prepare myself mentally, physically, and spiritually...Running is a lot more to me lately than my fitness. It reminds me of the ups, downs, bumps, bruises, celebrations, and victories along the way.
So far, I have done a few smaller races to help me reach smaller goals in preparation. I have done the Polar Bear Run (5K), Norris Insurance Pancake Run (5K), Shamrock Run/Walk (4 mile), and last weekend the Indy Mini Training Series (15K)...so that's coming along as well. Almost there!
So as I get closer to these goals, and have been busily working 3 jobs and trying to juggle a lot of different things at once (aren't we all?!), I at times find myself feeling drained and overwhelmed; however, even in those moments, feeling extremely blessed and joyful. I love all of the different things going on in life right now, and I just have to praise God for all of the ways that he's been showing his love to me. One happy girl right here. :)
And...I have a song that I keep singing to myself as I jump from job to job to training, etc...and it makes me smile every time and especially on those longer days. Inspired by my niece, this is a clip from the Princess and the Frog, where the main character has been working really hard and been through a lot of hard times getting to her goal of owning a restaurant. I relate to the chorus which says, "Well I'm almost there. I'm almost there. There have been trials and tribulations. You know I've had my share. But I've climbed a mountain and I've crossed a river and I'm almost there. But there ain't nothing gonna stop me now, cuz I'm almost there! Well, I'm almost there!"
Take a listen... Almost There- Princess and the Frog
I continue to be amazed at the community of friends and family who have helped me to cover so many different things...parents coordinating youth fundraisers, people providing food, washing dishes, drivers for youth, volunteers to help lead the youth, a helpful pastor, supportive committees at amboy and sycamore friends churches,decorating tables, financial support, making pies, people praying for and with me, singing and worshiping God with amazing women and sisters in Christ, encouraging notes, hugs, high fives, laughter, friends and sisters joining in with me on race days, accountability partners, mentors, the youth just being their awesome selves...I think you might get the picture by now.
I CAN'T JUST LIST IT ALL!
That's how extremely blessed I feel. How can I thank everyone enough? Even moreso, how can I ever thank GOD enough?! He is so completely worth ALL of our praise...
Estoy Enamorado. Si es usted?
(I am enamored. Are you?)
