Oh Bridesmaids… There is one phrase that I never seem to get tired of – granted it’s her whole performance that makes the scene so funny: Kristen Wiig sneaking into first class, getting busted, pouting as she says, “help me I’m poor,” in this perfect pitch between a whiny and baby voice!
This was funny. My friends, sisters (especially Lynn) and I would say it jokingly to each other all of the time. Now it’s for real. Now it’s my life.
Okay, so maybe Kristen Wiig doesn’t know about the World Race; maybe she is faking it. But as the first deadline of my January 2015 route raced towards me this motto seemed to play in my head more and more frequently… well truthfully it still does. One of the things racers do to gain support is send out support letters, so in hope of gaining more support I would love to share it with all of you on my blog!
So here it is for all of those who haven’t gotten the chance to read it yet!
Over the past few years I’ve been studying Child and Adolescent Development at Cal State Fullerton and Orange Coast College. Throughout my time in college I have always wanted to go out into the world and experience new surroundings; however, the way in which I would see the world changed often. My connection to God was lost and in that time I wanted to study abroad, then work abroad, and finally decided that it would make me happy just to volunteer somewhere where I could help those in need. It seemed like a good idea—I could choose how long I would go for, where I was staying, and what kind of work I would be doing. I had a desire to do all of these things at one point, but I lacked the will to do anything about it; then my relationship with God was rekindled and everything changed! Now my will is with God and I’m taking action to go on an 11 month mission trip called the World Race.
This specific mission trip consists of a group of people that travel to 11 different countries in 11 months with the purpose of spreading God’s love throughout the nations. It is hosted by a non-profit organization called Adventures in Missions that has been sending people out into the world since 2006. The route I have been accepted to begins January 2015 and goes to Peru, Bolivia, Chile, India, Nepal, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Malawi, and Zambia. Through the World Race, my team and I will build houses, teach English, preach the Gospel, give attention and love to orphans, minister to women and children trapped in prostitution as a result of human trafficking, and bring the restorative hope of the Father’s love to many tribes and nations.
While I’m sure this mission will be full of wonder, I know it will also be full of challenges; from spending most of my nights in a sleeping bag and tent to witnessing social/cultural injustice. However, my first challenge will be support raising. Like most other mission organizations, I am required to fundraise financial support. To go on the Race I will need to raise $16,000 which will cover: food, lodging, medical insurance, and air, land and sea travel. As I take this large step of faith in trusting the Lord, would you prayerfully consider joining me monthly at $25, $50, $100 or any other amount? I would love for you to be a part of my team! You can donate by visiting my blog angelawooden.theworldrace.org and clicking on the “Support Me” tab on the left side of the page.
I would love to answer any questions or tell you more of my story if you’re interested. I can be reached through my blog or you can e-mail me at [email protected].
I’d like to thank all of you who have taken the time to read about my cause! I cannot do this alone and every bit of help is appreciated! Financial support isn’t the only way to get involved – I will need a lot of prayer throughout this mission and referrals are great, as well! I would love it if you could share my story or the link to my blog with others – getting the word out is defintely part of the battle!
Thanks again to ALL of you!!
