A blog I wrote after the first few weeks in Thailand …
Before the Race started, I spent a lot of time praying that the Lord would do some awesome things through me. I prayed that He would make me uncomfortable if need be, to be able to accomplish the things He wanted me to. I prayed that I would "die to myself" and live for Him. No surprise that I came on the Race and the Lord answered every prayer…just not in the way I thought He would. That's when I said, "thanks, but no thanks, God."
The first week and a half in Thailand were rough. The Lord definitely followed through and made me uncomfortable. I'm going to be real honest for a second, and say what a lot of people already know, which is that sometimes I can be a huge quitter. If I don't like something, it's hard for me to stick with it. So, when the first week didn't go as I planned, I was so ready to go. See ya never, Thailand!
In the back of my head, something didn't feel right. When I would quit other things, it was so easy for me. This time it seemed like something was always in the way to stop me from being able to leave. That's when it hit me like a ton of bricks. I ASKED the Lord to do all these things. He answered every prayer I had. And HE called me to the Race, because He knew I could do it. Not alone of course, but with His help! Side note, I get to travel the world for a year telling people about Jesus.. Um hello, get over yourself!
Since training camp I've heard people talking about how you need to choose into it. How cheesy, I used to think. Then I actually did it. I sat down one day, and just prayed. I told the Lord that I'm all in. I'm finishing the Race and am going to do whatever He asks of me. Can I just say, it is probably one of the best decisions I've made. Ever since choosing in, and saying yes to God, I've been filled with SO much joy. Seriously guys, my heart is SO happy! I've never been more stretched in my life, but the outcome of it, and seeing how my relationship with Him is growing in crazy ways each day, is so worth it.
Another great thing about Thailand? We have an awesome ministry this month! Our whole squad is together, and every team has a different ministry, ranging from bar ministry, worship, teaching English at the local college, and working in the slums. What ministry did my team get, you ask? WORSHIP!! WOOOHOOOO!!! Before coming on the race, I had no idea this was even a ministry, but I am so thankful my team got it! Basically, we worship all day throughout the city of Chiang Mai. Worship can look like anything from song, to prayer, to reading Scripture..lots of things! I've been blessed to be able to see the Lord show up in awesome ways this month. My ministry also includes a lot of ATL (Ask The Lord). If you know me at all, you know that ATL is where it's at for me. I LOVE IT. Another example of how I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be 🙂 He is so good!
Fundraising update — I'm still in need of about $7,000 to be fully funded… if you would like to donate to keep me on the Race you can do so by clicking the "Support Me" link on the left hand side 🙂 Thank you so much to everyone who has already been supporting me, whether financially or through prayer, I appreciate it more than you know!
