I am not one who usually enjoys dependence on others. I am the student that hates group projects and I would much rather just do it on my own. I have spent most of my life setting high goals and achieving them. From a young age I have been fairly self-sufficient. If I wanted to do anything I set my goal and then figured out a way to get myself there. Most of the time, even though sometimes I desperately need it, I refuse to ask for help. I never really viewed this as a negative aspect, but rather pure determination.
However, when I was applying for the world race I knew that I was not in a position to financially or spiritually support myself through this journey. Thus, despite my natural defiance when it comes to asking for help I knew that I would have to humble myself to ask for help, and lots of it!
I wrote my support letters, held some fundraisers, and had countless conversations about my trip. Through that vulnerability of simply asking and sharing I have been able to meet the 27% mark of my fundraising in less than 3 months! I am amazed at just how willing and eager people are to not only hear about my trip, but also support me in various ways.
I have learned to be willing to stop and share my story with various people. I have also had multiple opportunities to share, from the eye doctor who wondered why I needed two pair of the exact same lenses to the librarian who found me printing information on the culture of each of my countries. Each person I interact with is in some way a part of my journey. Whether they financially support me or support me in various other ways throughout the trip. Rather than me working as an independent machine, I have begun to learn the importance and necessity of having multiple parts to a machine and allowing other parts to help in the labor. I know that with the love and support from those around me this dream will become a possibility.
“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” -Helen Keller
Thank you for all your support,
Kate
