Hey what’s up… I really am not sure how I want to start this because there is so much going through my head. As I am writing this, I am three days away from a six am flight that will take me away from my home for roughly the next eleven months. It most certainly does not feel like that could be the case. As I sit here trying to wrap my head around this idea, I am really feeling every possible feeling that I could be. I am crazy nervous, very hopeful and excited, determined, fearful, and so much more I don’t even have the words for. I am comforted in knowing God will be with me through it all.

This is my last blog before I take off to Georgia on Friday followed by Jaco Costa Rica next Tuesday. I am hopeful that throughout this trip I can display my experience through my blogs, and social media that allows for you all to grow along with me. Of course I am the one that will physically be experiencing things, but I want to make sure that I am displaying what I am seeing, what we are doing, and what I am learning to you in a way that allows for you to grow closer to God and closer to the person you were created to be. If you have some good advice on ways that will help you feel connected please let me know. The fact that you are reading this encourages me that there will be people following along, so I appreciate you. Subscribe to this blog so you can be notified immediately when I post a new blog. Chances are you already follow me on Instagram, but if you don’t @jd.merwin on Instagram is where I am likely to post a lot of content about the journey.

I want to end my time at home expressing just how grateful I am for all of you who have supported me already before I have even taken off! When I committed to doing this, the financial mountain that was ahead of me to make this happen seemed extremely overwhelming. I was saying to God, hey if this is the path that you are calling me to, then show me the money. And wow has God provided through all of you. I was hopeful to get to about half of the goal of 17,900 dollars, and just pay every dollar I had to cover the rest. That would have left me in a very stressful situation. Instead God has provided through you all a few thousand dollars beyond that point already, in such a short amount of time! I am so very grateful for all of you who have given any amount at all. Your generosity will be a part of making an impact all around the world. The way that God has provided through all of you will forever be a part of this journey. So, thank you thank you thank you!!! Appreciate you guys so very much!

To begin showing you what my journey looks like I attached a photo below of how I will be traveling the next year.. fitting my whole life into these two bags is not an easy task.

Much love!