All my bags are packed, I’m ready to go. I’m leaving on a jet plane, don’t know when I’ll be back again.
OK, neither of those statements are true. My bags are empty, but they are at least ready to be packed. Chacos have been purchased. Large amounts of polyester clothing have been obtained. REI’s 90% DEET “jungle juice” is ready to go. I’ve got the “stuff” I need for the DR.
And although I am leaving on a jet plane, I do know when I will be back again. At least for a week before I return to the DR. The fact that I’ll be back in the Seattle area for Maren and Jeremy’s wedding in December is seriously a huge comfort. If I’m struggling in the DR, it will be a great break from that. If I’m loving the DR, it will be a great break anyway as I celebrate with my family.
In regard to my previous post, I did climb Mt. Rainier, and we did make it to the summit. The climb was the hardest, most beautiful, frustrating, and satisfying thing I have ever done. I was blown away by the sheer magnitude of the mountain, of the view, and of the climb, all while feeling like dying with each step I took. I thought I was in great shape, but that mountain just owned me. Anyway, the jury is still out on my participation in next year’s Climb for Captives, but hopefully I can make it back up! We are still accepting donations to IJM for the climb @ www.climbforcaptives.com.
The past two weeks have also been extremely comforting as donations have really begun to roll in for the DR. I’m nearly halfway to the $7,000 I had hoped to raise for this trip, and God continues to surprise me with the peace he has given me regarding my financial situation. I can make this happen because he has blessed me. Even if not another penny comes in, I trust that God will and has already provided more than I can know.
As I look ahead to my departure, I’d ask for prayers for peace of mind…That I’d not expect to change things by what I can do, but instead learn and work as hard as I can…That I won’t make too much of a fool of myself in Spanish. Just a little bit maybe. Enough to keep me on my toes…That God will lay the foundations for great relationships and experiences…And above all, to trust God, trust God, and trust God.
Love one another, it’s worth it
I’m excited for you Jarrett!
Sorry didn’t finish… This post is great…. and I will be praying for you. Glad you are coming back for the big event though!!!!
I’m excited for you! And I really love the last line of this post! So good!
Hey bro. I sure love you and I am glad I live in Alaska. Its not like its that big of a deal, distance wise, if you are in Seattle, or the DR, you are still too far away from us. We will keep you in our prayers and we are so excited for you!
[...] Semanas, parte 2 25 03 2010 The title is in reference to this post. So crazy thinking about what has happened since then. Still the same two weeks until I leave, but [...]