It seems like just yesterday I was writing about how stoked I was to be 30% of the way funded. Where did that time go!? (I don’t want it back!)
As of today, we are just under 50% of the total cost, and I am completely aware that none of it could have happened without the continual favour of God along with the generosity of YOU, dear readers! Thank you so, so much!
Ever since we started this journey back in October of last year, I have learned over and over again that God provides for those He calls.
That’s why last week, as I was sitting by the window at a local coffee shoppe mapping out and budgeting for all of the gear I’ll need for the Race, the fear that crept into my stomach was foreign and cold. I sat swinging my legs back and forth, back and forth, taking off my glasses at least five times and rubbing my eyes before dropping my pencil and putting my chin in my hands. I stared at the final number underlined at the bottom of my crisp white notebook page, and the words that ran through my tired mind were, “Who is going to pay for all of this?”
And in all seriousness, before that sentence had even finished making it’s way through my head, it was replaced by another sentence: “I am.”
I know a lot of people who say that they don’t hear God speak to them, so I take it very seriously and with great humility that for me, that has never been the case. God speaks to me all of the time. I keep an open note on my iPhone to catch and write down things, and I am filled with gratitude that He keeps an open line with me. The Race is one of the riskiest things I’ve ever done, and I would have lost all courage long ago had I not had constant confirmation that I was still trekking down the right path.
I took a walk through the rainy woods this morning, listened to the leaves squish under my boots and ran my hands along the moss on the trees and was reminded of the time that Jesus said,
“Why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.”
Turns out provision-centered freak-outs have been going on for 2,000+ years. Jesus knew this. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever – so despite the looks of this mountain, there have been plenty of times previously when I had zero idea how things would be provided for. So I am done with worrying.
With open hands, here is my ask.
All of the gear* that I’ll need by the time I leave for Atlanta in July is here, in this registry.
Would you say a quick prayer and ask the Giver of all things if this is where He would have you support me?
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*I hesitated for several days before I decide to include this. The only thing not on my registry is either a tablet or a laptop, in good working condition. I asked myself, “Is this something necessary, or is this something that I could ultimately do without?” And as it turns out, the answer to both is ‘yes’. Yes, I could go on the Race without a laptop. Many people have. And I’ve never personally owned a computer. But I believe the biggest way that God is allowing me to tell my story is through my ability to write and tell stories, and I want the opportunity to do that while I’m gone. I would also love the ability to upload photos, and talk to friends and family back home. So, while it is not top priority, here’s my heart. If anyone knows of a laptop/tablet looking for a good home, please shoot me a message!
