“The distance is nothing; it’s only the first step that is difficult.”
Marquise du Deffand
In 2 weeks I will be leaving my family and my home. In 2 weeks I will go from feeling safe and comfortable to taking many new steps and experiencing lots of newness. In 2 weeks I will meet strangers from different walks of life and they will quickly become like family.
I’ve been making decisions this past week of what backpack, sleeping bag, or headlamp to get and much more. It all feels overwhelming at times, but then I try to remind myself it’s all exciting at the same time too. The journey of starting a new phase in my life, is what I’ve been waiting for since my sophomore year of high school. I’ve been wanting change in my life and it’s finally come. At times it feels scary. Going into the unknown is scary. Going all in is scary. But I know I’m not going through this alone. There are 25 other team members just like me going through all this.
I think about the rest of my high school graduates. They will be beginning a new chapter in their life as well, meeting new people in college, or meeting new people through their job. All of us facing different changes and challenges, and experiencing joys and celebrating the wins. Some of their experiences are going to be different from mine, but I know we will all have one thing in common, and that is, we’re all going to be growing up. We’re all going to be growing each and every day and discovering more of ourselves and becoming the young woman and men God has created us to become. And I think that is what makes starting a new chapter in life exciting.
The next 14 days I have to prepare, pack, and spend time with my family and friends will come with different kinds of emotions. I ask for your prayers as this transition of leaving and beginning something new is a lot.
Lastly, I want to encourage whoever is reading this, whether you’re a freshman going into college or a young adult starting a new job, whatever new change might be next in your life, remember do not be afraid of what God might have in store for you. Back in January I had no idea God was leading me to go to South Africa 7 months later. Don’t ever underestimate the God we serve.
Caili
Withhold Nothing 
Love this! God does challenge us in many different ways in life! God goes with you in this journey! Trust him completely in the good & the challenges! I’m praying now & every day of your journey HE lead you to!
The Lord’s Help – Isaiah 41:10
Have I told you lately how proud I am of you? 2 weeks till you venture into the next chapter called Withhold Nothing in South Africa. Keep living, loving, writing, and speaking of God’s faithful presence in your story!
We are so excited for you and we are confident that God will reveal his mighty power to you in many ways! Blessings!
(Todd & Deb Gaffner)
Sooo exciting, Caili! Blessings to you as you say your goodbyes and take up the awesome opportunities that God has placed in your life!! He goes with you each step of the way!