Hey friends!!
It’s been a while since I’ve updated all of you, and so much has happened!
First, 33 days until the first day of training camp!!! It’s insane how fast time is flying by! Since the last time I wrote a blog, I also got some vaccines and bought my tent! I gave my tent and backpack a little “test run” this weekend primitive tent camping with my parents and my brother. We had campfires, lived on hotdogs for two days, canoed 10 miles on the New River, and took a lot of pictures of all the fun memories we made:)
Day by day, the fact that I’m about to leave for 9 months is becoming more surreal. This Friday will be my last day at the job I’ve had for a year and a half. Which is crazy! It’s a very bittersweet feeling leaving all my work besties. My plan is to take the entire month of August off work to prepare for leaving on the 31st. My mom is also taking the month off too! Which is going to be amazing spending extra time with her, and a huge blessing to have her help and guidance in this crazy preparation process.
ALSO! I was able to meet someone from my squad early!!! I have connected with a lot of the people on my squad over social media. Which is how we found out that we live only an hour and a half apart from each other! We both drove halfway, and the feeling of actually seeing her in person was insane. It’s so sweet when you both love Jesus, bonds are so easy to make! We both left each other that night saying “SEE YOU AUGUST 31ST!” I can’t wait to meet all of the beautiful people I get to serve Jesus with in just 33 short days.
Fundraising update!! I have 57% of my funds raised!! God has shown his goodness so much in this entire process and it has been beyond humbling. This means I only have $7,450 left!! Thank you so much to everyone who has already supported this exciting journey! Your prayers and support mean the absolute world to me. I can’t do this without you!!
I’m praying for all of you<3
Ashley
Below are some fun photos from this update!!:)
So excited for you Ashley! Loved hearing about all your preparations and seeing the pics! God is so good and I can’t wait to see what He does on this trip through you and all your squad members!
Hi Ashley. I love reading your blog and sensing your excitement about serving Jesus on your mission trip. I will continue to pray for a successful, and safe, mission trip for you and for your entire squad. May God continue to bless you.
I love you and am immensely proud of you,
Poppy
My heart overflows when I read anything you write my sweet girl! May you be covered in prayer as you travel the world!! I knew the day you were born you were destined to do great things! I am so very proud of you. May God always bless you sweet Ash girl!! I love you to the moon and back!!
Nonna🥰
We are so very proud of you! There is no safer place to be than where God has called you! 💖Keep shining for Jesus Ash Girl!
BEAUTIFUL blog post ash. You’re such an incredibly talented writer. I love reading your posts. Cute pictures too! You’re so beautiful inside and out I’m going to miss you so much dang it.
I’m so happy to visit your blog and see all the blessings the Lord will bestow upon you during this amazing mission opportunity! You will be a gift to EVERYONE you meet on this journey! You will do wonderful things all for the glory of God!! 🙏