Hey there friends! In case you didn’t already know, I’M CURRENTLY IN GAINESVILLE GEORGIA!!! 7 days ago I was welcomed into my new home for 3 months, and let me tell you, the past 7 days have been WILDDDDD (but in all the best ways)!! Before I get into that, I wanted to back up a little and share my heart a bit about leaving home (home as in Texas and the people I love within it).
Stepping into this new chapter has been such an exciting and joy-filled experience! As the time came closer for me to fly out, it became harder for me to say “see you later” to the community of people that I love. As excited as I was to be stepping into this new season of my life, I really had to surrender my home over to the Lord. For this season to be a season of full growth and pursuit of the father, I needed to come with complete focus and eyes directed to Him. Not saying I’m completely going off the grid for 9 months, but I had to develop a space where all my focus and all my attention was on God and this sweet season with Him. The transition here has been easier than expected. Little things remind me of home, and I have found myself missing the embrace of the ones that I love, but the Lord has reminded me to soak up every little bit of where He’s placed me and has reassured me that it is only a season…I’ll be back home soon, welcomed by the beautiful Texas community that I get to call family.
Since being here, I have experienced LOTS of new things! I made a list because lists are always way easier!
1. Flying on an airplane-I think I was most nervous about flying for the first time, but it wasn’t bad at all! I actually loved it!! Super grateful for Southwest Airlines. The experience was amazing!
2. Living in a tent-This has been AWESOME! I’ve had the occasional spider crawl in and want to hang out (grateful for teammates that come to my rescue) but it overall has been so so sweet! Falling asleep to the sound of locust and waking up to the sunshine creeping in my tent has been absolutely beautiful! Definitely not something I thought I would love as much as I do.
3. Porta Potties-this has been an EXPERIENCE, and that’s all I have to say about that one.
4. Brushing my teeth and washing my face with a water bottle– not as bad as you think it would be…actually pretty refreshing
5.Bucket showers-a squad C FAVORITE! I have learned that I actually can take fast showers and that I don’t need nearly as much water as I thought I did. One 5 gallon bucket, a cup, and a water hose will do the job!
6. Laundry-along with the bucket shower, we also use buckets to do laundry! It’s very very relaxing! This awesome gal on my squad and I had such a great talk while washing laundry and hanging our clothes on the line to dry. The simple things like laundry days bring me joy.
Okay, so some updates! This week we have had lots of teachings, trainings, worship, and growth with our teams which has been so so sweet! ALSO! My team is amazing! These girls are so fun and completely on fire for the Lord! I’m going to write a blog soon that introduces each of them! My team plays such a huge role in my growth these next 9 months. Y’all are going to love them!
We’re studying deep into scripture and laying a Biblical foundation for everything we’re about to learn and grow in these next few months. The leaders are all about falling on God’s word for literally everything, which I’m all about! Shoutout to the World Race leadership! They are extraordinary in sooooo many ways!
We’re doing a phone fast, which means I only have my phone on me in the evening during the week and on weekends. It’s been really refreshing unplugging and truly enjoying everything that’s going on around me. Life here has been slow (but in a very very good way). God has really been teaching me what it means to abide in Him… Lots of being still and soaking up quality time with the Lord, which for me, is a little bit wild. I’m definitely a go go go kinda girl!
This past Sunday we had a fitness hike. 2.2 miles in 38 minutes while carrying a 50lb backpack. I completed it, ALL GLORY TO GOD! One of the first things I think I’ve ever done where everything spiritually, mentally, and physically were all working together. It was amazing watching my squad come through the finish line and see that we can do hard things!
Something that’s crazy awesome, I’ve met my October goal of $9,000 which is AMAZING! Praise God!!!!! I only need about $7,000 more to be fully funded. I’m not exactly sure how that will happen, but God works miracles. I’m believing in it!
This was all kinda a lot, so if you made it this far, THANK YOU! I say this in every blog post, but I really am so grateful for your support!
It’s real. This season, this new chapter, it’s real and it’s here. It’s happening, and it wouldn’t be without you. 🙂
PS: Down below is my most recent Youtube video. Check it out to watch some clips from this first week.
We are so proud of you back home and love reading your updates of your journey.
So glad things are working out for you. You sound so happy. Praying for God’s blessings and goodness to follow you throughout your time there.
Kourtney, I’m so proud of you! I’m so happy you’re doing so well and soaking up each new experience! I’m looking forward to reading about all your experiences.
Kourtney! This is awesome! I am so happy you are learning and loving slow life with the Lord here in Georgia! :):)
so many new things! shooty, proud of you for stepping into them!
Glad you are enjoying and learning a new way of life…… it will all pay of in the future……….
You are jumping right in and being open to all the Lord has for you at this time. Keep digging deep into his word and being in the moment with the team! You are a treasure!
So proud of you sisterr! Im also extremely excited for all that God has in store for you! You were chosen for a time such as this. ??
Unplugged! I remember the phone fasts Paige did – AIM imposed as well as self imposed. As good for me as it was for her. Looking forward to following your journey. Embrace it! – Dan (Paige’s Dad)