When I was in high school, my senior year, I can remember sitting in class and talking to my friend, Kaela, about our shared desire to spread God’s love to the nations. It was the daily topic of conversation. Every day, we would sit in class and google mission trips. We talked about how strongly we felt about travel and reaching those who live in poverty or have never heard the Gospel.
Now, four years later, I am sitting here writing a blog about taking part in an 11-month mission trip to 11 countries! Crazy.
What I have come to learn, is that God has impeccable timing.
Every day, I would pray that He would send me sooner than later. I felt so sure that I was ready. But God had plans for me to go to UTC, make incredible lifelong friends that would push me every day, and now to graduate. These past years at UTC have challenged my faith and brought me closer to God. God has been preparing my heart for this for many years and I had no idea. When I first heard of the World Race about 2 years ago, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I prayed and hoped that I would get the chance to go.
Now I have the chance, and I’m TERRIFIED.
Don’t get me wrong, I am absolutely stoked about this adventure. I know I am where I am supposed to be according to God’s timing. But, I can’t help but realize everything I will miss while I am gone. I know I can’t expect people to put their lives on hold while I am away, but the selfish part of me wants that. I want friends to put their weddings on hold, I want family to wait to celebrate major holidays and birthdays until I come back. But, people keep living, as they should and I have to learn to trust that God has a plan, just like he did these past few years.
Despite those fears, I have an even bigger fear that is constantly lurking in the back of my mind. Fundraising.
Just like plenty of people before me, I am worried about money. I have never been good at asking for money, and part of that was the way I was raised. But, committing to be a part of the World Race requires me to step out of my comfort zone in various ways. One of which is by asking for support. Fundraising is a daunting task and it scares me, but God has asked me to trust him. To trust that he has a plan. He doesn’t look at $17,000 and say “There’s no way, Hannah. Just quit now.” God asks us to trust in Him. Trust that He will provide. Trust in His timing. The Lord captured my heart when I was 8 years old, and every day I am learning to trust in Him a little more. And I am so thankful for that.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
