Time is a weird thing.
This month is the halfway mark in the race.
Some days that blows me away because it feels like I just left home yesterday and other days it feels like I have been on the field for years. One thing that I do know, despite how strange time is, is that I’m not coming home the same.
I’m not the same Kelsey that left in January. It’s not a bad change. I just know that I’m different after 5 months on The Race. The situations and experiences over the last months have made me rely on God more than ever and trust Him with everything. I’m learning so much about myself, cultures, and my beloved Jesus. Just to touch on a few ways that I’ve been growing–
•I wear the same shirt for at least 3 days or even 5 days in a row before washing it
•I’m not afraid of having conflict resolution with people
•I live on $5 a day for food
•I’m not scared to pray for people and to ask God for huge things
•I haven’t had more than 15 minutes of time by myself since January
•I know how to properly take a bucket shower
•I have changed more diapers and braided little girls hair than in my whole life
•I run or work out for 30 minutes every day
•I’m learning how to be a servant leader and to love my team well
•I have plastered, whitewashed, painted, cooked for hours in the kitchen, grouted, concreted, gardened, organized, and feel fairly confident in these skills and I’m excited to use them when I’m a homeowner
•I share everything with 5 other girls, yes everything
•I’m not afraid to share my opinion and thought on things because I know my voice is important
•Being vulnerable with people doesn’t scare me anymore but instead I believe it’s necessary for trust, freedom, and growth
•I don’t even have to think twice before using a squatty potty
•I hand wash and air dry all of my clothes and pray it doesn’t rain or get too windy
•Nothing is owed to me
•Allll of my belongings fit in a backpack and I’ve learned to live with less
And I’m only halfway done. I know that God called me on The Race which is 11 months long and He’s going to keep me here to keep serving to the people of Malawi, Mozambique, Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia.
Thank you so much to all of my supporters, friends, and family so far. You guys make it really easy to get homesick because your support is so wonderful. I am beyond thankful for this experience. Thankful for everything that I am seeing and learning and thankful that I can take you with me.
However, I still need $3,315 By July 1st to stay out here on the mission field and to be FULLY FUNDED! So many of you have been so faithful with your donations and prayer and it honestly means the world to me.
Days are hard on The Race. Somedays there is nothing I want more than my comfy bed, wifi that actually works, I knew this was the life that I signed up for. I know that God called me to The Race to change some of my view on things.
I look forward to having a reunion with all of you following me journey when I get home but honestly I soak up every single day here. I embrace the uncomfortable, awkwardness, hard, and wonderful moments.
So please consider financially supporting me with any amount placed on your heart. Truly, any amount is greatly appreciated. I can’t do this alone.
Also, all donations are tax-deductible!
Checks: Please make checks payable to Adventures In Missions and mail your donation to Adventures In Missions PO Box 534470, Atlanta, GA, 30353-4470. Be sure to include my name in the memo line so they know who is receiving the donation!
Response cards: Checks should be accompanied by a response card, which will provide AIM with the information necessary to send you a receipt for your donation. I have included a link that will take you to a page with the card on it (http://www.adventures.org/valkyrie/mystuff/mobilization/documents/support_card.asp?FirstName=kelsey&LastName=kraus&PreferredFirstName=&Account_Type_Id=1&Appeal_Id=KRAUSKELSEY&AccountType=World%20Race?). Print it off, cut off one of the copies, and send it with the check.
Donating online: If you would prefer to make your donation online, you may do so by visiting my blog site at kelseykraus.theworldrace.org. Just click the “Support Me” link on the left side of the page and complete your donation as instructed.
Again, thank you thank you thank you for all of the support you have already given me. It’s means so much to me and I know that the Kingdom is growing because of you.
