Church Commissioning

Last night we had the incredible experience of being commissioned by our church, Friends Church Orange!!

The theme of the service was living life loving our neighbors. Instead of isolating ourselves in our own little bubbles, God calls us to love others, to reach out to others, and to serve others in times of need. It fit exactly into the original heart and idea behind this trip!

The last song was perfect. The main focus of the song was "God, use me" which had been my prayer throughout the service and has been/will be the prayer of this trip. Alyssa looked at me and said, "I wish we could get a recording of that song!" I replied that it was doubtful since the worship leader had written it...and I had no idea how to find it.

At the close of the service, we joined our pastor, Jay, in the front of the service. He explained how we were about to embark on a journey of loving our neighbors in all 50 states while they continue to love those neighbors who live in Orange County. Then he prayed over us while the rest of the congregation extended their hands towards us. One of the members of the worship team placed his hands on us individually and prayed. In that moment we felt the Holy Spirit in us. There really is no other way to describe it. Although the words of Pastor Jay's prayer have left both of our minds, the heart behind it stays with us.

After the service we waited around to say good bye to Pastor Jay. As we were waiting, a woman came up to us and introduced herself, saying it was so good to finally meet us. She was the leader of a small group we were going to attend earlier this year, but due to various things it had not worked out. She was so excited to meet us and to know more about the trip! What a blessing to meet her!

We then said good bye and thank you to Pastor Jay. He told us how excited he was for our trip and to hear the stories! It felt amazing to have the blessing of our pastor on this journey. This is something we have prayed for since the beginning of the planning!

As we were walking towards the door, a woman stopped us and told us that her and her husband (who both led worship) had a non-profit that had the purpose of sending people out to do similar things to what we were doing. We talked about the trip for a bit; she prayed over us. She asked if she could take a picture of us and post it on their Instagram--and of course we said yes! They also said to be in touch if we need connections throughout the US since they travel frequently to lead worship at various churches and conferences. They then blessed us with 2 CDs of his original songs (one of which was the song that we had wanted a recording of!) and some bracelets from their non-profit that say "God use me." Wow does God answer prayers.
(Song is God Use Me by David Gaulton)

In the middle of this conversation, a couple from our church came to ask if they could follow the trip and be praying for us along the way. We shared more with them about how the trip began and what we planned to do along the way. They then told us that they have contacts in a few states if we need them! What a blessing to have met them!!

We left church feeling so full of hope and blessing. Last night we were reminded again that God has so much planned for this trip--far beyond what we could imagine. Words do not describe how grateful we are for last night.

And now we set our sights on departure in 4 days, knowing that behind us stands an army of support! <3

Update: May Version!

Wow! How did May come upon us already?! I don't know!

We leave on The Road Trip at the end of THIS month!!!! Departure dates is May 29, so it is now 27 days and counting! I don't think I thought this time would ever come. After years of planning it is absolutely surreal that it is almost upon us.

This month has been full of planning, preparing, and praying. We have a general idea about most of the trip now AND June is planned out in detail, pending responses from a few people. How exciting is that?!

Hotels are booked for June! The GPS arrived yesterday! Both Alyssa and I are working to wind down our jobs as we have two weeks left at our work places. Our apartment complex knows that we will be moving out the end of May. Things are MOVING FORWARD!!!

We have been saving and preparing for months/years now, so this is a big deal! That being said, we do not have enough funding to last us a year. We are well aware of that. But also know that when God is in it, He provides for what He wants to happen. The plan of a year remains--and our faith and trust for provision remains on God.

Continued prayers are appreciated--and if you want to donate to our trip, we would be extremely grateful for that as well.

***WE HAD THE WRONG YOUCARING LINK!! WE WILL UPDATE SOON!!***

We look forward to having you follow us on this journey!!!!! :)