DTS is officially over. It's really hard to believe even now, but in a matter of 72 hours I'll be in Puerto Montt, Chile. I'll be living with the same 4 people for 6 months, and they'll serve as basically my only direct connection with the English-speaking world, which is a daunting thought in itself.
But most of all, I'm looking forward so much to what God has in store for me there. He has shown me so much in these past three months, it would take a book to include it all. And now that I'll be spending twice as much time in Chile, it just blows my mind to try to think of what He will teach me starting Wednesday.
Anyway, this post is mainly for the purpose of marking a new chapter in this epic journey of mine, one that I am sure will be packed with new experiences, new friends, and new challenges from beginning to end.
Also, since I've made it this far, I'd like to give my much-deserved thanks to a few people that God has given me to make all this possible:
-Thank you, Uncle Tom and Aunt Karen, for being guests at my family's house last June and acting as God's couriers to introduce me to REACH. You helped me take my first step into this new season of my walk with Christ.
- Thank you to each and every one of you that supported me financially by donating toward my entry fee. I really wouldn't be preparing for this now if it weren't for you, and I mean that in a very literal sense. I also hope that you will continue to support me in prayer, something I've come to value more than any sum of money.
-Thank you, Mom, Dad, Brian, Bradley, Grandpa and Grandma, for supporting me in every way you knew how, from preparing a fundraiser meal for me at church or simply spending an hour with me on the phone. I love you more than anything in the world, and I know in my heart of hearts that the same is true for each of you. To me, you are the best thing God has blessed me with, by far. I will miss every one of you until the day I come back to Virginia. Mark it on your calendars- my goal is to allow God to change me to the point that I return barely recognizable from the college kid that stepped onto the RIC's campus for the first time. Always remember to love God and others actively- I truly believe that that's the real key to a perpetually joyful heart.
-Thank you, Josh Collins, for being the best friend a guy could ask for. Pursue an intimate relationship with Christ with everything you've got, no matter how far it takes you (and it will). Hold onto the people you love most and love them more than you love yourself- I challenge you to consider seriously what that means.
-And finally, thank You, Father, for giving me this opportunity to spread Your light into the darker corners of the earth. I thank You so much for everything You've given me and all the people You've surrounded me with. I know that I am so richly blessed. Please give me a servant's heart, not just for the people of Chile, but also for everyone I come in contact with when I've made the journey back home and face the responsibility to be a reflection of Your light to my closest neighbors. Break my heart for what breaks Yours, and re-form it into a vessel that carries Your Holy Spirit and glorifies Your eternal, holy name. Shape me into a man of God, one that proudly proclaims Your good news to everyone that will listen, and even to those that won't, whether it's with my words or actions. I love You, Lord. Now as I take this next step of faith, walk with me and hold my hand as I answer Your call for me to serve. Amen.
And now, for the greatest adventure of all...