May 6, 2009
Dear Family & Friends,
I pray this letter finds you in good health and happiness within your heart! I am excited to write you this letter and update you on the many ways in which God has been blessing me in the past month! I have officially finished my classes at Lewis and, while a bit saddened to be leaving some good friends behind, I cannot wait to start the next step in this journey called life. With training camp fast approaching (only 18 days away…), I can’t help but find myself more and more excited! God continues to bless me with new relationships, as I grow closer and closer to my many teammates. There are already some teammates I feel like I’ve known forever!
As time continues to pass, fundraising continues to take place. God has shown me time and time again that He is more than enough for this journey and with His help, the funds will come. In a matter of just 3 days, I saw my account jump from about $1,300 to over $4,400. That does not even take into account monthly donations or pledges that have been made to me! While it can be nerve wrecking at times, I have learned to give this entirely to God. Only He can make this happen and I am confident that He will.
The Race has brought about many new exciting opportunities for me. I was officially declared
“Someone You Should Know” (in the Homer Horizon newspaper that is) and I even have some old ladies at church excited about it as my parish at the Lithuanian World Center decided to help support me! It has opened up people’s eyes to the idea of service and, in some ways, I think God has already begun to speak to people through my simply joining the Race. The best example I can give of this would be that of my brother. Now, let me just preface this by saying it’s not that my brother is normally a jerk to me; he’s just a typical older brother-giving me a hard time, picking on me at times, bickering with me, yet still loving me in his own special way. With that being said, I want to tell you about something he said to me the other day. After reading the
article in the Homer Horizon, my brother said to me, “I figure the purpose of my MBA is to get a job where I can support you in the future so I’m doing my part.” This cut deep to my heart. While I don’t want him to think that’s his only reason for getting an MBA, I do feel like God has already begun to lay it on his heart that he is called to support, just like I’m called to go. God works in mysterious ways and I think this is just an example of one of those ways where God has already begun His work.
I think my favorite part of this waiting period before camp is the fact that I get to fill it with shopping! Shopping for gear is so much fun, though it does get tough at times. Trying to find the best deals is not always the easiest! So I ask that you pray for some good deals with camp around the corner…it may sound silly, but it’s much needed.
Also, may you please pray for the following requests:
• For me, my teammates, my classmates, and all others who are preparing to make big changes in their life. That we may continue to look to God for guidance.
• For safe travels to and from camp, as well as the continued safety of all us at camp.
• For my family and those of my fellow World Racers, that God may ease their worries, tensions, and anxieties.
• For any of us struggling with temptations and anxieties as we get closer to camp and closer to departure. That we may simply let go and let God.
• For continued provision financially and that God may bless my providers, both current and potential.
God bless!!
Daina Norusis
