It’s an absolutely humbling experience to raise over $15,000, especially when most people I know well are college students who eat peanut butter for dinner and are literally down to their last dollar at the end of each month. But what I’ve learned along the way is that God really does provide everything we need, and he often does so in the most unexpected ways.
There were times when I thought I’d never meet a deadline or have the money to buy supplies, and then all the sudden, someone would see me on campus and hand me a wad of cash. I’d check my support account to see someone else had sent in a check, giving away their last bit of spending money for the month. I’ve been supported by people I know very well, and I’ve also been blessed by complete strangers. Though I anticipated that most donations would come from adults with 9-5 jobs, steady incomes, and 401k’s, a majority of my support has come from college kids who don’t have jobs or substantial savings.
Like I said, this whole process has been absolutely humbling. I’m not quite sure I could properly communicate my immense gratitude with such simple, monosyllabic words, but I’ll try.
Thank you to everyone who’s made a sacrifice on my behalf so that God’s plans for the Nations might be realized through my calling to go. Thanks to those who’ve supported me with countless prayers, with encouraging words, and with financial contributions.
Thanks to my friends at the Wesley, who’ve been a primary source of encouragement in many ways. Thanks to all my amazing friends in Austin who’ve loved and supported me through every part of this process. You are the best friends a woman could have. A huge thank you goes to my wonderful roommates who have supported me so extremely well – much more than I deserve.
Thanks to my parents and other family members who’ve made a lot of sacrifices to support me. I’m very grateful for the ways you’ll continue to support me while I’m gone, too. I realize that this journey for me requires a lot of you, and I'm grateful that you've given so much to help me.
Thank you to the churches that have supported me, particularly the United Methodist Churches of Hearne and Wheelock, TX and Hope Arise UMC in San Antonio. Even though I'm not a member of your congregations you have been incredibly helpful and encouraging. Thank you to the anonymous givers, whoever you are.
The simple truth is that I could not do this without all of your help – so, thank you. Without your prayers and donations, I could not go at all. You, therefore, are a part of this journey with me. When I hold orphans, feed the homeless, or share the Gospel, you’re right there with me. This journey is just as much for you as it is for me because of all the ways you’ve invested.
So again, thank you.
