Hey friends and family! I apologize for how late this first blog is, life has been crazy, God has been good, and I cant wait to update y’all on how I have been doing! I just completed 3 weeks of training camp and to say it has been both amazingly beautiful and extremely challenging would be an understatement. There are so many funny stories I could tell about my squad mates, playing games, and learning how to do my laundry in a home-depo bucket, and then taking a bucket shower using that same bright orange bucket. However, I am going to keep it real with you guys, these weeks have also had their fair share of struggles. Right now almost half of my team is sick. Strep has been making its rounds and it has been BRUTAL so if y’all will please keep my team in your prayers that would be much appreciated. Thankfully I am still healthy and feeling fine (knock on wood) so please pray for a quick recovery for the people that are battling sickness, as well as protection for those who are healthy.
Over these last few weeks I have learned so much about myself and my current relationship with God and I feel like I have already grown so much! Living outside has been an eye opening experience and even though I don’t mind bugs, I have had a few encounters with some rather large spiders that were not pretty. I have grown to love my tent and spending all the time in nature whether it’s going on walks, playing smash face, or laying in my hammock. Spending time outside in Gods beautiful creation has only grown my heart to adore and love him and this world he has created even more. We got a chance to hike Mountain Yonah this last week and it was one of the harder hikes I have done. We had to pack our big hiking backpacks with our tents and clothes and cary those up the mountain with us as well, which only added to the challenge, but just made it even more rewarding when we saw the view at the top and got to camp out at the peak that night.
I love my team mates and am so thankful for this opportunity. If this is only training camp, I cant wait to see what life will look like when we get to travel! Thank you so much to everyone who has continued to support me financially and through prayer, I wouldn’t be here without you! Now that I was FINALLY able to get my blog account set up, my goal is to update y’all at least every other week if not more often. Please feel free to text me throughout the week while I am still in the states! I would love to talk and personally update you! We do not have access to our phones for the whole day but any time after about 8 pm I should be available. I love and miss y’all so much and can’t wait to see what else God has in store for me! 
We are so happy you’ve settled in and doing great! We will continue to be praying for you daily. Can’t wait to hear more!
Emily!
What an incredible update.
I am filled with joy and smiles while reading this.
Will definitely pray for the health of your team!
Continuing to pray for you to just God to amaze you more and more each day.
And you betcha I’m calling you haha
So excited for you and the team. Teresa and I will be praying for you and everyone else to be strong and follow God’s will.
Love you and can’t wait to hear more about the journey and work you are doing.
Emily, I am praying for you and your team! I will be looking forward to seeing your updates! We love you and we are so proud of you!
I loved the update Emily! It not only sounds like you are growing in your relationship with the Lord but having fun too! Yeah!! Praying for all that are sick and that you stay well. Love and prayers,
Aunt Jane ❤️🙏
We are praying for you and your group. Sounds like you are having a great time and coming closer to God. Keep us up to date.
We love you so much Em, and it was so good to hear your voice tonight. We are praying for the team; those that are sick and protection for you and those that are well. We pray for you every day, and we can’t wait to hear about all of the incredible things God is going to do in you and through you in the weeks and months to come. Cheering you on every step of the way sweet girl.
Mom
Yep, few bugs and bucket baths are not gonna shake your resolve. WOW, what a beautiful group of young people all with a common goal- of course you will climb mountains!!! Prayers for health surely and thanks so much for taking us along virtually, readers kinda felt the weight of that pack, Love your determination, and willingness to forego physical comforts on a mighty walk of faith.
Wow this is amazing I am so happy for you! I’ll be praying for you and your team! I cannot wait to see what God does in you and through you on your journey! Keep being the hands and feet of Jesus!!!
Excited about all God has in store.
Emily, how excited I am to be able to take this trip with you through your blogs! It sounds like you are adjusting to your new lifestyle very well and you can bet we’re praying for you and your team. Can’t wait to hear of your new “God experiences” ! Your pictures from the top of Mt Yonah were fabulous. Keep them coming. Love you much 😘
Love the update and photos! Praying for health for you and your team. God is doing amazing work in you and through you . I look forward to seeing your blogs . Kid street misses you! Your strength echos in this blog. Continued prayers for your safety, health and strength on this amazing eye opening mission. Can’t wait to hear about your god moments.🙏🏻 Go Emily!
Sounds like you are settling in just perfectly! So happy to hear that! And love reading about living outside for 3 weeks! Continued prayers and sending a great big hug!
Emily, my sweet. So proud of you in your commitment to serve our Lord as you have chosen! You can know with certainty that you & your group are in our daily prayers! You are in for an awesome experience. I look forward to your up-dates and our walk with you & your group throughout this journey,