First of all, a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who has supported me financially, spiritually, and emotionally as I prepare for this amazing journey!

Wow! What a time it has been….

In the last month and a half I have: 

Graduated College (woohoo) and said goodbye to my college life in Fayetteville, AR :(

Said goodbye to my college job of three years working at the sweetest daycare

Moved 3 times and 1 state

Found an incredible community that loves me so well

Started a long distance relationship

And now, I am living back with my wonderful family this last month before I launch to…. 

GUATEMALA!! My team and I finally got our first destination! We are so excited to see what the Lord has in store for us in Guatemala!

One of the hardest parts of this season has been saying see ya later to some incredible people. This community that has surrounded me with love and prayer throughout this season has been the sweetest gift from Jesus. I have learned that it really doesn’t matter how long you’ve had a friendship! I came into this community only a short 2 1/2 months ago and it has truly been the best. Jesus placed each of these people in my life at this point in time for a reason and to teach me lessons that I will carry with me throughout the rest of my life. 

Syd - You taught me how to love and serve from deep within and with such joy. The ability and willingness to serve is a gift the Lord places on those capable of doing. 

Court - You taught me how to fully and whole heartedly trust Jesus and that it is okay to go with the flow and live in the moment. Life is meant to live the way God has planned, not the way we have planned. 

Adam - You taught me how to dive into my passions of both missions and business, and that God can and will use both.

Erin - You taught me how to let go of idols, how to lean on Jesus, and how to have fun in the midst of craziness. No matter what is going on, there is always time to pause and dance. 

Katie - You taught me that I can’t mess up God’s plan. He already has laid the path before me. 

Steven - You taught me how to take feedback and trusted me to be a leader within the church so early on. 

Mitch - You taught me how to love without fear, to dream big, to have a nest, and that no matter what, we are going to be okay.

My family - You have taught me what unconditional love looks like. I am so excited to come home to you next year.

Over the course of 2021, the word that I have prayed over is surrender. Well, here I am having to surrender everything and trust the Lord whole heartedly with this next year. The Lord sure does give you what you pray for, but let me tell you, it isn’t easy. 

As a planner, this season has been challenging. I am stepping into a season of unknown. I do not know where I am headed throughout this next year. I do not know where I will be living. I do not know what I will be doing exactly. I do not know what life will look like after the Race. This is a season of complete surrender. 

AND

I am filled with gratitude. Not only did the Lord give me this opportunity to learn what it looks like to fully surrender, the Lord blessed me with a gift of friends and family that will be eagerly awaiting my return next year. I am so excited for what the Lord has in store not only for me, but for each of these people over the next year. 

Know that each of you are in my heart wherever I go <3

- Gabi <3

P.S. I ask that y’all pray for my family and I over this next month as we soak up time together before this next year apart!