Guys.
I’m on my way to Atlanta now.
LIKE WHAT????
In just a few short hours; Launch begins.
It seems like just yesterday that I got the call that I had been waiting on…And it also seems like an eternity ago.
Bags are packed. Goodbyes have been said. To-do lists have been completed. Tears have been shed. And here I am…ready to begin this wild, beautiful, broken, unpredictable, and absolutely insane Unknown.
As I stood in the living room of my brother and sister-in law’s house after just saying the heart-wrenching goodbyes to 3 of the children I love as my own and tucking them into bed; I hear Mackenzee (who is 7, very smart, beautiful, and definitely a sensitive and passionate soul) sobbing and asking her mom (who is also my best friend in the world and is struggling to keep her composure), “but why? Why does she have to go?? For a WHOLE YEAR?” Hillary of course, responded with, “because she has to do what God has called her to do…” I lost my crap right there in the living room and just thought, “one day, sweet girl, you will understand what it means to follow God even if that means leaving your family to go spread the love of Jesus.”
That is the only time during this whole journey to the starting line that I have questioned that I’m doing what God has asked me to.
Kasen (literally the coolest 4 year-old boy ever) doesn’t even realize that when I say we won’t see each other for a long time; I don’t mean we will see each other in a couple weeks. And baby Jacksen (9 months) won’t even remember who I am. That’s so hard.. My sister has 2 sons and one of them might not remember me either…But God sees all of them, will take care of them, me and their mommas, and it isn’t forever.
Crossing state lines and spending some long overdue time with my aunt and uncle in Alabama, road tripping with my mother, listening to music and discovering amazing food has all been fun and so needed to end my time here in the states.
The line that just keeps going through my head is from a song by Imagine Dragons that I’ve always liked; “It’s time to begin, isn’t it?”
Because it is. It’s time for the world to see Jesus in me. It’s time to step out of everything I’ve known and been comfortable with and step into the Great Unknown.
The goodbyes were so hard. I’m going to miss so many people. But the things, people and places that I’ll see, experience, touch and meet are going to be life changing.
So, this is it. I’m on my way, Z Squad. Let’s take on the world!!
Ready to be Reunited,
Niecey
So glad you’re on Z Squad! I loved getting to know you better at debrief. I’m sure that was super hard to leave your niece and nephews, and I also know God will bless you with countless relationships with other adorable kids (though non to compete with the love you have for those 3)!