One week left!

Well, it's almost one week until I leave for Australia - how scary!

I intend to make one more post before I leave. In this post I wish to give you a quick update on how everything is going.

My full time job is drawing to a close now, with my final shift being this Thursday. I've really enjoyed my time there, it's been a priceless experience and will always be a reminder to me of the provision and faithfulness of God. It will also be a testimony to God's ability and passion to create situations where he can be shared with those who don't yet know him, and his grace which gives us the words to say when those situations arise!

The finance for my trip has nearly been completely raised - and please understand that this is nothing short of a miracle! I prayed and trusted that God would make it possible for me to go to australia - and by his grace, he has prompted many of his faithful servants to support me by prayer and finance, this has quite literally been the one thing which has enabled me to go on this amazing gap year, praise God!

Otherwise, I've had a wonderful Christmas and have enjoyed spending more time with the family, and with my friends. This has also reiterated how much I will miss all of these incredibly important people when I'm away. If anything, this is the one thing I am most scared of.

Of course, all doubt, fear, confusion and stress is overshadowed by this undying excitement! Particularly after this outrageously cold weather, Australia seems like a good choice. I'm really looking forward to being in Australia, spending a lot of time with God, learning more about him and myself, and how i can best serve his purposes on this earth. I wouldn't be surprised if I also managed to fit in a spot of volleyball, swimming in the sea, and basketball along the way.

I'll leave it at that for now. Thank you all once again, so much, for your continuing prayer and support, you'll never quite understand how much it means to me.

I hope you had a fantastic Christmas, and God bless you this new year! Much love and speak soon,

Matt Doherty.

Specific Prayer Points

Practically, I'm not great at this whole organising/packing thing. So prayer that that would go well would be hugely appreciated.
Emotionally, I'm struggling with the concept of leaving my family and friends behind for so long, as I'm realising how much I depend on them. Prayer that I would really enjoy their company now, and that I'd be able to cope without them, would mean a lot.
Spiritually, that I would continue to spend more time with God in prayer and in his word; and that he would speak to me during those times - preparing me for the potentially difficult, but amazing journey ahead.

Here's a snapshot of where I am going, James Sandquest took this picture, apparently its a quick hike from where I will be staying. Not a bad view eh?

Getting Ready

Well, this is my first post, hopefully one of many.

Updates: I'm currently in the preparation stages for my trip to Australia, working full time at Bank Fashion ltd, trying to raise as much money as possible for my journey. As far as travelling goes, all arrangements have been finalised and paid for which is great! I've received pretty much all of the injections, I have my insurance in place, and have paid for the majority of my trip (I still have to raise money for: Outreach (£1000-£2000) and Spending money (recommended: £600-£700)).

So, all is going well as far as finance and general preparation are concerned, but its not too long now - so getting quite anxious, as well as incredibly excited!

Please continue to pray for:

Spiritual preparation / the remainder of finances to be raised / and that I may make the most of my time left in England.

Thanks for all your love and support,

Matt.