Well, today is the day!! I just flew into Atlanta where I’ll meet my team and spend the next few days in training before flying to our first country, which is ….
*drumroll…
ROMANIA!!
You must be wondering where I’m going. So may I announce, I’m so excited to head to first Eastern Europe, then the Middle East, and lastly Western Asia. (The rest of the specific country list is below!!) These next 11 months I’m giving to God to use me to build His Kingdom and serve & love others wherever I go.
“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”
Jeremiah 29:13 ESV
All packed and ready to go for the next 11 months!! (This pack and a small backpack is all I’m bringing)
The last few weeks have been full and restful at the same time. There have been lots of hugs, laughs and tears while reconnecting and also saying goodbyes/see you laters. I’m so blessed to have so many wonderful family members, friends, and supporters that make it so hard to say goodbye. A dear friend told me one time, “Slow down! Take time to let God love you, and let people love you.” These last few weeks in MN and the few places I’ve visited have been a sweet time of just that before I depart again. I know it’s the new year and not thanksgiving but I just want to list a few things I’m so thankful for, as I begin a new adventure that I don’t want to forget.
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Coffee and breakfast with my mom and dad
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Road-trips with friends
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Late night drives with my sister
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Holidays with my family
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Horchatas in December
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Baking muffins and cookies
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Driving with my Nana and visiting my great gpa and relatives Up North
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Coffee dates with sisters and friends
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Watching the sunrises and sunsets from the new house
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Regaining strength and yoga sessions
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Safari shifts and swims
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Visiting Sioux Falls, reconnecting with old and meeting new friends
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Puppy snuggles
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Snowwww
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A black olive nye
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Rock climbing…
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Practicing new piano tunes
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Learning abandonment and valuing what I have
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Giving away old clothes and items
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Wisdom teeth removal
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Learning to slow down and let others love me and take care of me
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Quiet times with Jesus
Finally what you’ve all been waiting for!! The 11 countries!! (which are subject to change)
Romania
Albania
Kosovo
Jordan
Georgia
Armenia
Turkey
Kyrgyzstan
Uzbekistan
India
Nepal
When I was growing up, my mom would read stories about missionaries working in the 10/40 window, which is a rectangular area of North Africa, the Middle East and Asia between 10 degrees north and 40 degrees north latitude. The “10/40 window” is a term that is used to describe the area with high socioeconomic challenges and the least access to the Christian message and Christian resources. Many of the countries my team are serving in are located in this window, and I’m so honored to be going to these places I learned so much about when I was little. Please pray for us and the people of these lands that God may be glorified in our work and the people may receive His love and truth.
Lastly, I want to thank YOU for your support and encouragement until this point! I could not have made it to this point without you and the grace of God. I now ask you to continue that as my team and I, our leaders, our families, and the countries we will serve in need the most now. Specifically, I ask you to pray for peace and complete reliance on God. I struggle with wanting to be in control and using my own strength to complete tasks. In these next 11 months, there will be many unknowns and changing plans so I ask God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Also, I am about 70% funded!!! With about $5000 left to fundraise by April. If you are able and feel led, below are a few options you can support me!
- Directly through Adventures in Missions, click the donate tab on my blog home or click HERE! (It’s also tax-deductible.) There you will have the option for the amount you wish to give and the occurrence in which you can give. So, if you want to donate a certain amount but can’t at one time, you can donate a smaller amount monthly.
- If you prefer to give directly to me, these are the best ways.
Venmo: @clleverich
Paypal: @clleverich
Check: Fill out to Adventures in Missions but please indicate who you are donating to, Clara Leverich, and send to Adventures in Missions P.O. Box 742570 Atlanta, GA 30374-2570
- Lastly, I made this super sweet design and partnered with Bonfire to put it on t-shirts, long sleeves, and sweatshirts! HERE! is the link to the website to order your own!
May we know him enough to make him known.
Blessings in Him, clara grace <3
