The #1 thing hindering me from accepting a spot on The World Race was raising funds.
Collecting $15,500 definitely intimidated me. I mean, that's a car. That's tuition at some schools. That's a couple of trips to Europe. That's a lot of good coffee. A lot.
When I accepted a spot on the team in October, I started praying about the fundraising process. Naturally, I wanted to avoid action, because what was standing in front of me scared me. I started praying for creativity, a changed attitude and affirmation in the funraising process. My human nature was inclined to doubt God's power and view this time as burdensome.
BUT! God is powerful. He can turn even the most intimidating circumstances into a joyful journey. That's what he did.
He planted conversations to encourage me and gifted me creativity to get going on this process. My church family at The Paradox played a huge role in this. A missionary from our church that is on a 6-month medical mission to Uganda suggested that I make something tangible to sell.
In mid-November, Go Rings came about. Go Rings are gold wire rings that were created to help fund my Race. They are a little tool that I hope helps people remember to pray for my journey and share my story. The rings have 11 loops representing the 11 countries we'll travel to are bound 7 times representing the 7 team members I'll be serving with. "Go Rings" comes from Matthew 28:19 which says, "Therefore, GO and make disciples of all nations." They sell for $15 each, and have been an incredible way to share the story God is writing in my life. 
On day one, I shared the idea with my sorority and received a ton of encouragement. These girls started a snowball effect. With a little idea and a lot of love, the movement picked up. Just 8 weeks later, here I am, half-way funded by Go Rings alone. I cannot express how thankful I am. I canNOT express how THANKFUL I am!
The most wonderful part about this process is the affirmation from The Lord that The World Race is exactly where I am supposed to be. No doubt about it. No doubt. He has used other people as His voice, His ears and His embrace to affirm me. Can I get an amen? Another great part is that through the online store, I've been able to reach people from coast to coast. I've shipped to almost half of the states – from Texas to New York and California!
So how can you join the movement?
1. Visit my etsy shop online!
2. Follow me on instagram!
3. Continue following this blog
4. Pray
5. SHARE the story & good news
