hi everyone!
I wanted to update you guys on my plans for this fall and the effect COVID-19 has had on my trip. I am so excited to let y’all know that, although we are not able to launch internationally in September as planned, I will be leaving for Gainesville, Georgia instead. For 3 ½ months I will be diving deeper into what ministry looks like and receiving leadership training, all while living in a Christ centered community with my amazing squad. Following this unique opportunity, I will launch to my first country in the beginning of January. This chance to live in Gainesville will only prepare me more for when I officially launch and I will have such a strong foundation of ministry before I leave. I could not be more excited!
While this virus and the effect it has had definitely was not what any of us planned for, I am constantly reminded that none of this is a shock to Jesus. After receiving an email from Adventures in Missions about this change, I was faced with the decision to continue with the Race or leave and wait to see what other opportunities the Lord would place in my path. Through this, I was put in a position which truly challenged why I said yes to this trip in the first place. While I wanted to travel the world, play with cute children, and meet forever friends, I was ultimately saying yes to Jesus. I was saying yes to his will and his plan. I was saying yes to becoming more like Him. When he called me to the Race, he knew this would happen all along, yet he still called me to go and serve. Yes the news was disappointing, but I have been reminded that the Lord’s plans have always been better than my own. The amazing thing about Jesus is he is FOR US. He is working things out for our good. Through uncomfortable situations, he is shaping us and molding us more like him. I signed up for the Race to serve, to grow in my faith, and to ultimately live more like Jesus did, and although I won’t be doing this in the way I had originally planned, I will still be doing exactly this in Georgia. While this was not my plan, it was His all along and in knowing this I have found peace throughout the change. I could not be more excited for this opportunity the Lord has placed in my life!
Although plans have changed, I will still be fundraising the whole $15,800. My next deadline of $10,000 must be reached by October 15th, so I continue to ask for your support. You can do so directly on my blog, by venmo @klederer, or through checks as well. I also ask that you continue to pray for my teammates and I as we adjust to this change. I cannot thank everyone enough for the constant support! I REALLY appreciate it!
with love,
katie
