T-minus-eight months until I launch for my gap year! It's crazy to think that in short eight months I will be living in Swaziland. It has been five months since I committed and life has been so busy ever since:

I started off my senior year, finished my last high school soccer season, began my final season of travel soccer, :( started working a new job, I applied and have been accepted into my top schools, had some of the best times with my friends, a new baby sister came into the world (Eleanor Rae), andddd I am meeting, talking and becoming family with some of the coolest and sweetest people out there--MY SQUAD!!! I am so thankful for all of the relationships and conversations I've gained so far. We have the opportunity to talk everyday with each other which can be overwhelming but I love every second of it :)) (thank you Becca and Carter for appreciating Harry Styles as much as I do)

The reality is, in the midst of all these things, I find myself putting all of the work I have to do for the World Race on hold. I fall into the habit of saying I've had a long day and calling it quits, or pushing something off for a few days, which then turns into a few weeks. In fact, I planned on writing this blog three weeks ago, and here I am writing it now. I've also fallen into the trap of comparison--comparing myself on social media, people around me everyday, and looking at blogs to see where other people are at. I often times become discouraged and it can become so dangerous. However, I am  so so grateful for the ladies who I have met so far !! Some of us girls on our squad started a devotional together a few days ago about comparison. While reading it today, something really stood out to me: 

"We're reminded that God has set a unique plan for your life. And he will abundantly prepare you for it. You can trust his provision. And this one's harder: you can trust his timing. If you're busy glancing to the left and right, jealous of someone else's plan, you may miss the perfect one he's written just for you."

God has a plan for me and it may not look like everyone else's. It will be different, but perfect for me. 

Words cannot describe how excited I am for this journey !!! Please pray for me and my squad as we near launch, specifically that we can be diligent in preparing. Thank you for everyone who has supported and prayed for me so far! I am so happy that you chose to be apart of this with me. 

How can you help?: 

• Pray for me and Encourage me: It is not going to be an easy road ahead, but it will be worth it. That being said, I need you guys !
• Share: share my journey, blog and story with others !
  
• Donate: You can donate by using the link at the top or by venmoing me @morgan-applegate-10. The money covers my transportation, food, and housing :) Any amount will help me reach my goal !