A Father's Love

My Goodness its been forever since I've posted.

I must say, it's been harder for me to post this year. Last year I was so transparent because I wanted to remember everything: my struggles, joys, and excitement from our trip.

I don't know what it was about this year, maybe life got so busy, but I just haven't been able to be like that.

To be honest, it's been a hard process, once again. Raising the money and waiting on God's timing is insanely hard. And you think after being through this three times I'd have learned, right? But that just goes to show how much we really DO need to depend on Him.

This year I set out with the goal of earning every penny for this trip. I thought I didn't need my parent's help, and it would all be from me. I truly believed that.

But as time went by, as I worked my butt off babysitting and working, it just wasn't enough.

As my deadline grew closer, I realized that I wasn't going to make it. Not on my own, anyways.

I still had a pretty significant amount, and on top of that they added $300 more to the cost my trip towards the end.

The Lord was really testing my faith in Him.

Our deadline came around and I asked my parents to pay the rest, and I'd pay them back--it just wouldn't be until after the trip.

But one day my dad, Mr. Never Spend a Penny More Than Necessary, came to me and said I didn't need to pay them back. And he sincerely meant it. It wasn't one of those sheepish "I'm saying this to make you feel better" things, he really meant it!

And in that moment a huge weight lifted off of my shoulders and it felt so good. I cried because of the love that he was showing.

It was just such a good glimpse of the Father's love from my dad. Something that I didn't deserve, he gave to me willingly... even though it probably wasn't easy.

I am such a blessed girl. Blessed by the Father, to be given this opportunity again. Blessed by my mom and dad, who support me fully in everything I do.

So with that being said, the crazy planning starts! :)