This week has been such a sweet time of slowing down. We’ve been wrapping up debrief, and it’s been a pretty chill week; mostly preparing for travel day on Saturday, but also getting a lot of space to rest, reflect, and enjoy each other’s company. It’s been such a gift to spend time intentionally with the Lord, as well as to hang out with friends and soak in the little moments with my squad. Every night we’ve had fun doing squad activities like playing games, sitting around bonfires, watching movies and those simple things have meant so much. Especially knowing that in Eswatini we’ll be splitting up, I’ve been so thankful to feel this close and connected with my squad right now.
I think the biggest theme of this week for me has been gratitude. My heart has just been overflowing with it. I’ve been noticing the ways God has answered so many prayers already and how He continues to show His faithfulness in the smallest details. Saturday feels both exciting and a little nerve wracking. I can’t wait to step into this next chapter, meeting the kids at the care points, loving them, and receiving all that the Lord has for us in Eswatini. At the same time, it’s starting to hit me that I won’t be able to talk to my family or friends for a while, and that’s hard. But even in the sadness of that, I find myself coming back to gratitude: how lucky am I to have people in my life who are worth missing this much? That’s such a blessing in itself.
This will probably be my last blog for a bit, since I won’t have service once we get to Eswatini. I’m currently 96% funded (praise God!), but I also know it will be more difficult to fundraise while I’m overseas. If you feel led to give and help me reach 100%, I would be so thankful. https://adventuresinmissions.servicereef.com/events/adventures-in-missions-3/2025-world-race-gap-year-25g0902-copy/participants/ella-bradleyt
Thank you so much for walking alongside me, for your encouragement, your support, and especially your prayers. I’m so excited for all that’s ahead and can’t wait to share stories of what God is doing in Eswatini whenever I get the chance to post again!!
I promise you’ll be fully funded by the time your time in eswatini is over. Dad and Mom got this. Love you pumpkin 🎃
I was looking at some previous pictures from trips to Eswatini and I am even more excited for you. I too am sad about the pause in communication with you. No matter what, no matter where, we are all here supporting you and connecting with you through God. He will send us messages for each other. I love you so much!