Just received some exciting news today…..
I’ll be launching from Atlanta on September 6th to begin my World Race!!! It is all starting to feel more real now as the departure date rapidly approaches. I’ve got quite a few more things to take care of in these next few months, with the primary focus on my second, and most important, fundraising goal.
Though the total amount needed to be raised is $16,267, I have to reach $10,000 of that by August 21st in order to ensure that I’ll be leaving with my squad for my specific route come September. I’m already over halfway there thanks to the generosity and support of so many different people!
It’s been amazing to witness how God has been bringing different people into my life to come alongside me during this journey and I can’t thank you all enough. It has been a huge source of encouragement, as well as confirmation, to see the money coming in, especially in the way it has. My main forms of support, thus far, have come from some of the most unexpected sources, and in unpredictable ways. While this has been difficult at times for my type A (aka loves to control and plan) personality, I can honestly say it’s been just what I have needed. Hindsight always seems to provide a much larger, and wiser perspective. Otherwise, I would continue to believe that it is me and my efforts alone raising this money….my friends and networks and energy producing results. However, God has made sure to flip that on its head and show me that it is He who is controlling this. Once I was really able to see and believe that, my whole view of fundraising shifted, and I can honestly say that I have a peace and confidence about it all moving forward.
So, the next step in this process, besides hitting my August fundraising goal, will be going to the 2 week training camp in Georgia (through Adventures in Missions) starting July 6th. During training camp, I will finally get to meet all of my squad mates for the very first time and get a crash course on how to better prepare for my upcoming trip. There is an air of secrecy surrounding training camp and what all goes down during those 2 weeks, but I’ve been told that it is both equally difficult and exciting. Their goal is to mentally, physically and spiritually prepare you for some of the worst case scenarios we might experience overseas while also gauging how each person handles difficult situations. This enables them to figure out the best team configurations moving forward, and also teaches us more about ourselves and our team. It will be a time for camping newbies like me to take the plunge into our new world of tents, sleeping bags and outdoor bathrooms while fairing the GA heat and critters. It will also be a time to open up and be transparent about who we are, from our own individual strengths and weaknesses to fears and needs. Who would have believed that this city girl is actually looking forward to strapping on her backpack and letting go of expectations as she enters a new world, and meets what will likely become her second family over this next year. I can’t wait to share more about it all when I come back.
For those new to my blog who wish to donate financially, you can click this support me link (or at the top of the page) to donate online. It also has instructions for those wishing to mail in payments/checks. If you have any questions about this process, just contact me and I’ll explain further. If you click on subscribe, you will receive an email confirmation each time I submit a new post. This is particularly helpful once I leave as I’ll regularly update this site with information about where I am and what I’m doing during the trip. That way, you can keep in touch without having to constantly check back on here.
Thank you again, to each and every person that has donated to my trip, lifted up a prayer for me, given me a hug or word of encouragement, read my blog, purchased a t-shirt, shared my story or simply stood beside me as during this decision! You truly will never know just how much it has meant to be.
