One of the things I least expected about my journey with the World Race was how much it would change me even before I ever left the United States. I am constantly in a process of refinement, and while I thought I was prepared for all the World Race had to offer, I didn’t realize how much of a mental, physical, and spiritual challenge this preparation journey would be. It has and continues to stretch me, grow me, and make me better. But as with any refining process, it is pointing out some of my flaws, and oh how humbling that can be.
WARNING: EXTREME VULNERABILITY AHEAD. ONLY READ ON IF YOU ARE OKAY WITH ME BEING REALLY REAL!!! 
Through this fundraising process, I have learned that:
1. I procrastinate out of fear.
When things get overwhelming, I run away. I try to get my mind off of it and do something else. I push the problem aside for a later date rather than working to solve it.
2. I pretend my problems don’t exist.
I am as guilty as anyone else. I smile and eat a tub of Ben and Jerry’s and tell people how bomb my fundraising is going while I am silently crying inside.
3. I find it hard to be happy when others succeed.
When God blesses others with provision, I get bummed that it wasn’t me, completely forgetting about God’s promises.
4. I isolate myself when I am sad.
It’s hard for me to be vulnerable and humble. I sometimes feel like sadness is a sign of weakness, and it’s hard for me to open up to others.
5. I struggle to rely completely on God.
I want to always have a Plan B. But sometimes with God, there is no Plan B, and that is hard for me to accept.
If there is anything World Race fundraising has taught me, it is that I am definitely not perfect. This fundraising process has brought out the WORST in me, and you know what the best part is?
I’M GRATEFUL FOR IT.
I’m grateful that God is teaching me my weaknesses, so I can grow closer to Him.
I’m grateful that God is refining and testing me, even though it is uncomfortable.
God knows what He is doing, and He is preparing me for a journey that will stretch me in ways I can’t even imagine.
So yeah, I’ll be honest, I’m not perfect, and fundraising is pretty tough, but I SERVE A GOD WHO IS BIGGER THAN ALL OF THAT!
Hey, so remember how I talked about that pain called fundraising? You should support me!!!!! Help me on this journey!!!! Click the “support me” tab!
