I made it. By some miracle (thank you to the anonymous $2,500 donator!) I made it to Georgia, to training camp, to my squad. Aside from the Hamilton reference, what comes next? I’m suddenly part of a family that I’ve known for less than a week and now must create intimate relationships with. I’m not sure how to deal with that. How do I process the homesickness that hit harder and faster than I imagined it could? Each day is its own emotional roller coaster of frustration, peace, joy, deep brokenness, etc. My world is so different now than what it was a week ago, and yet it feels like an eternity long past. 

 I think this first week will be the hardest in terms of finding my place. Later, it will get harder as we work out our relationships and become who we will be, but these first seven days will be the worst of not understanding as first impressions are stripped away and our eyes come to see each other for who we are now. 

 I know that I can complete this Race only by the grace of God. If it’s anything like the fitness hike we completed on Sunday, I’ll be gasping and heaving for breath, ugly crying, and lying collapsed on the side of the road, but I will complete it. As to enjoying, we’re getting there. 

 I am still fundraising; my next deadline is $10,000 by October 15th. Please pray if God is leading you to support me financially; prayer support is also always appreciated. Until next time!