I feel like a broken record lately saying "I can't believe launch is only ____ days away!" but it certainly is an unbelievable feeling. 

The preparation for this coming year has felt almost a year long itself, so finally having a manageable list of things to do and an end in sight to "preparing" feels UNREAL. 

Life lately has been full of quality time with some of my favorite people, lots and lots of celebrations, and a whole lot of joy! It's been sweet to put it simply. God has shown up again and again, and as I've been reflecting, I'm so thankful lately for all that He's done in my life in the past two years living in Colorado. I have the greatest community and friends and roommates, an incredible church and people I get to lead alongside, and a fun job and amazing coworkers. 

But at the same time, there is sorrow and grief right now--the "bitter" half of a bittersweet season. I've had my last Monday leadership meeting and went to Tuesday morning prayer for the last time today. I've been planning all the last coffee dates and hang outs with friends. I've started saying goodbye to regular customers at the coffee shop. I look at my calendar and say "oh, only two more Sundays to go to church" or "wow, just three more weeks at work". 

There is grief about what is ending and there is joy about what is to come--and I'm being reminded lately that it is okay to feel both of those things at the same time! 

 A friend was praying the other day and she prayed specifically for the people who find themselves somewhere between the mountain and the valley, and I've been thinking about that a lot since then.

It's easy for us to see God on the mountain top and feel Him in the valleys--but what about the in between? The moments when we can't tell if we're headed up or down? 

I have to remind myself that He's still the same God I felt in the valley that I see on the mountain top, and that walks with me on the path between and in the seasons where life feels like too much and not enough all at once. 

His goodness is unchanging, and that makes me so expectant to see it again and again! 

While I only have 25 days left where I am, I also have only 25 days UNTIL I'm reunited with my squad--people I care deeply about and am beyond excited to get to live, travel, learn, and serve with in the coming year!! I can't wait for the hugs and happy tears, and am holding so much hope about what the World Race will be for us as individuals and as a unified body. There are so many good and beautiful things to come!! 

Prayer requests right now: 

- for my fundraising. I'm 60% funded right now! I've been blown away by the kindness and generosity of friends and strangers that have gotten me to this point, and I'm excited to see how God continues to make a way in this process. (Donations made directly through the link at the top of my blog are tax-deductible and would be a great place for year-end giving!! ;) hint hint!) 

- for the health of my squad + our leaders. Pray for protection over our bodies and health, and for wisdom in our decision making! We could experience delays in entering our planned countries or meeting with our ministry partners if we happen to be sick as we get closer to launching. 

- for this bittersweet season--that it would be full of joy and peace and intentionality, while still a time to grieve and let go of the things and people I cannot take with me next year. 

Thank you, friend, for reading my blog and for following along! Please comment below or reach out with any questions about what I'm doing, where my fundraised money goes, or anything else on your mind! :)