July 4th BLESSINGS

Happy 4th of July!!!

I hope everyone has an amazing day and is able to enjoy time with family and friends! I just wanted to share some blessings I have had today!

My day is being spent with my good ol' Pops (my dad). I am such a daddy's girl and love every second that we are able to kick back and relax together. For our day we planned to cook out and enjoy our time together! Thankfully it is not hot at all outside, so I will be able to sit outside with him some and play with my Mika girl (my dog)! Though I would love to spend time with my other family members as well, I am super happy for where they are each celebrating this holiday!

Two big blessings I want to share...

1. Time with my Pops yesterday

2. Financial blessings in my fundraising

*ONE*

So yesterday I had the wonderful joy of traveling with my Pops for several hours to just give him some company in the car while he ran some errands in nearby towns. We spent about 5 hours in the car traveling where all he needed to go and we were able to stop and eat at a hole in the wall Mexican food place in Menard. Doesn't seem like a big deal probably... but for me it was just such a fun time to spend with my dad. I haven't really lived with my dad since 2007, so around 6ish years and our quality time has been limited to holidays mostly.

During these hours in the car I really got to hear about my dad's life and how he is doing. Not the everyday "hey punk what's up" ... "oh you know dad just being crazy" conversation. It was nice to be able to stop what I was "doing" and get out of the house and go with my dad, investing time in his day. Nothing too extravagant or extraordinary, just good quality time spent with my dad that really meant a lot to me. Over the next 9 months away in the wilderness when I reach the moments of missing my family... I am excited to be able to look back at this moment and remember laughing, talking and jamming out with my Pops.

*TWO*

As this week began, July 1st approached and really hit me in the face. I had a quick freak out moment about my fundraising, as I was only at $600 of $5000! But, Father really showed me "Haley REMEMBER who is in control??" I was reminded that not only have I surrendered these 9 months of my life to Him and finding what He has in store for me, but I also surrendered much more. I gave Him all of my hopes, my dreams, my passions, my fears, and my worries. Man that sure is a lot of MY's.. but for me that is one thing this journey is all about. Losing ME and finding HIM in every aspect of my life. Not living of this world.. but living as He has called me to live.

So with a reminder of all that I have surrendered to and some deep thought and prayer, Father got me back on track and focused on allowing Him to be in control. I praise Him so much for the progress of fundraising and the friends that he has blessed me with. The financial blessings of people I do not know, those I have recently met, lifelong friends, and young brothers/sisters in Christ has completely BLOWN me away. The blessings that some of these people have shared with me, not only have helped me financially, but continue to show me that Father is in control!

As of today, the fundraising has passed the $1,000 mark and we are sitting on the 23% fully funded point! What a blessing and such a wonderful day to be able to celebrate these victories. Thank you friends who have invested and those who are still in prayer about this! You are a blessing!