THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!


Dear friends and family,

As of yesterday, I AM OFFICIALLY going to Israel!!! I can't even believe it!! It hasn't set in, but it is definitely becoming more real! I have all of you to thank for that!


I remember at the start of this adventure thinking, "There's no way this is gonna be able to happen!" But God has taught me a lot and part of what he Has taught has been trust and humility. I know He's going to do some pretty cool things through this trip as He reveals himself to me in a whole new way! And I can't wait!! All the praise goes to Him! Soli Deo Gloria!


I want to thank my parents! They've been the ones who have had to put up with my long Facetime dates as I ramble on and on about how excited I am one minute and the next as I'm freaking out about logistics. Through all my fundraisers they have supported me and helped me organize them! When I tried selling those hot cocoa ornaments around Christmas time, Mom was calling me from Michael's trying to figure out the best deal on ornaments! Not to mention, putting those messy things together as we took up her whole kitchen! Dad has been there helping me with the tiny details of the trip. Making sure I remember to pack batteries for my headlight, good walking shoes, "Oh and don't forget that sunscreen!" My brothers have been great through the preparation as well! Giving me both donations and encouragement they have been excited with me as I prepare! Thanks familia! Can't wait to come back and overwhelm you with stories the rest of the summer! ;) Try and enjoy those two weeks of peace and quiet while you got them!


Now to everyone back home!!! Friends and family, I couldn't be doing this without you! Thank you for putting up with my endless advertising of fundraisers whether that be Christmas ornaments or butter braids! Also thanks for sharing it with your family and friends to help get the word out! That absolutely humbled me and brought me to tears as I saw you all reaching out to help me more than what I was expecting! Thanks to the people whose kids I watched over Christmas break and Spring break. It's always a joy to watch your little ones and I appreciated all the opportunities that you gave me when I was home! Another huge part of the support that I have felt from home has not just been financially but has also been through the encouragement that you have shown. Asking me questions and getting excited with me has been a huge part of getting me even more excited to go! It's only two weeks but it's going to be a great two weeks; especially knowing that I have people to come back and share it with!


And my friends at Dordt! You guys have been great! Like everyone else you have heard me ramble on and on about this trip, but lucky for you I'm around you more so you here it WAY MORE often! And you guys are all great about it! Getting excited with me and supporting me in my efforts here whether that be through coming to the Pizza Ranch tip night or driving around to take pictures with a "thank you" sign one afternoon ;) I'm so lucky that when I went away to college I was able to find a second "family" here in Sioux Center through all my friends! 

So, that was long and lengthy and I'm sure I could keep on going but by this point in the blog you're probably skimming. ;) 

I'm one step closer to Israel and in only 18 days I'll be there!! Can't wait to keep you all posted when that time comes with the adventures that will be happening! Stay posted for one more blog post before I leave with a brief itinerary of my trip!

THANKS AGAIN! 
With love, 
Courtney  


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