W.O.W.
93% funded and training camp is only just about to begin this weekend! I am blown away. Flabbergasted. Speechless. And wondering how to express this deep gratitude and appreciation for those who have joined the team to make this happen.
When I began this journey, as I’ve said before, fundraising was a piece I wanted to go without. I was scared of the process and at a loss of how I would go about it. Every day I wake up in amazement of the support that has come in and the people who have come together to make this journey a possibility. Fundraising has been a lesson of trust, thankfulness, and beginning to understand what all God can do if I don’t try to hold on and take control without his help.
The lesson continues…
As Training Camp is within a few days, I have been anxiously gathering last minute materials and anxiously crossing off things off the list, while adding a few more on at the same time. The realities of being gone for a year have begun to sink in a bit more in depth. I think about the holidays or where I’ll be celebrating the birth of my new niece, or even the comforts of a warm running water shower and I begin to think… Is this real life? Is this really going to happen?
And, if I’m honest, there are some fears and angst that rise with these thoughts and moments ahead. I think, will I pack just the right things? Will I get to Skype my family Christmas morn? Will my teammates and I make smart decisions? Will we get along? …. The truth is there are many unknowns. However, as I continue to wrestle with these a tune that has been with me since the beginning comes to mind. This song was something I shouted from my car in good ol’ Roanoke, before I pushed the button of ‘apply.’ It’s been ringing since the days of trying to articulate my heart into the form of a letter to share this news with family and friends. It’s been with me as I imagine the life changing events ahead. And it’s been with me as I am smiling ear to ear in awe of the support that has come in.
I pray each time I sing these words that the lyrics will become more and more the life I live out.
I pray that I would ‘give it all to you Lord’ wholeheartedly and trusting in your Good and Faithful favor.
I pray that I would lean on His understanding and His will to be the maker of my life and my heart.
I pray that I would give up control and let his help and providence flood on.
Just as I am in awe of what it looks like to give it to God to take care of fundraising, I need to give up control on the other areas of my life as well. It’s a constant reminder of His beauty and bountiful comfort. Thank you for participating in this beautiful lesson and reminder I have to take with me, not only in my every day as departure awaits, not only into Training Camp not only to the villages of Cambodia or jungles of Costa Rica but my life forever. I am flabbergasted.
To those of you curious of the song… Here it is
Nothing I Hold Onto
