…and I’ve never felt more ready. Preparing for my trip to Australia has been such a different experience compared to when I was getting ready for my year in New Zealand just 2 years ago. I am more prepared when it comes to the logistical side of it with visas, credit cards, travel insurance, bank accounts, transportation arrangements, etc. More importantly, I have experienced so much peace and assurance that this adventure is one that God wants me to embark on. To many people, what I am about to do just seems crazy, but to me it feels normal and I absolutely love that. I have overcome so much to get to where I am today that to be able to feel an overwhelming sense of peace and readiness is one of the greatest gifts I could’ve received before my trip. I have had some amazing people standing beside me as I mentally and spiritually prepare for this trip and many of them have confirmed my purpose while in Australia.

After meditating on my visions for this trip, I have felt an urge to serve and practice loving others. In the initial stages of planning, I was going to play it safe by beginning in a city and finding a job and an apartment. This would’ve been fine, but I something deep down was telling me to challenge myself a bit more and find a way to serve others, but in a way that I did not expect much in return. I began looking through the helpx.net website and emailed a couple of farms looking for people to help them with gardening and feeding animals, etc. I began conversing with one in particular that is in Tasmania and runs a flower farm that creates beautiful arrangements for weddings and events. Since I have an interest in events, this was not only a great opportunity to serve in a different way, but will offer me a glimpse into the world of floral design. I will work for them daily in exchange for housing and food and will do my very best to love on them while I am there, offering my help wherever needed.

I will most likely be there for 2-3 weeks. I am leaving the next step to God and the people I meet along the way as I feel it is through them that I receive the most inspiration and direction. Being this flexible and open to the unknown has been a growing process, but I am so excited to be at a place where I live by faith and trust in a God that loves me and has my back 24/7.

Here’s to an EPIC adventure!

Cheers USA,

Erica