One of the first things that excited me about the World Race was that we live out of backpacks for 11 months, and probably in tents most months as well. I’m an outdoors kind of person. Not showering leaves me giddy. Unplanned adventures are my thing. And living in a tent? I’m in.
But from the beginning, I also recognized that outdoor gear is expensive (especially if you get good stuff that will last). So even though it felt silly, I started praying for the gear I needed for this journey. I prayed that I would find things on sale. That I would never have to pay full price, and I would be blessed with good gear that I could use beyond just the race.
A few days after I was accepted on the race, I went to an REI garage sale for fun (because REI is my happy place). And lo and behold, I found a backpack! Great condition, size, everything I need, and for $40! (This particular pack is usually $289). The guy who helped me fit it even said he was surprised how perfectly it fit me. Thank you Jesus!
Me: “Okay Jesus. Next step…a tent. For under $100. I know they’re usually over $200 for everything I need, but I trust you. Help me out here.”
Yesterday, I stopped by another REI garage sale. Again, because I’m obsessed. It’s the second day of the sale, so I wasn’t expecting much. What’s that lump lying in the corner? Oh yeah, of course. Exactly what I need. A TENT.
Price tag? $60 (from $230). Damages? None. Literally exactly what I need. The woman working informs me that it’s from REI’s rental stock, which they’re getting rid of because that REI isn’t doing rentals anymore.
Next thing she says? “Oh, and that’s going to be 50% off today.”
What? You mean to tell me that this $230 tent, in great condition, is $30?!
Of course it is. Because God is awesome, that’s why.
To top it off (because God loves flair), I get up to the register and the cashier asks if I’d like to use my REI dividend (10% of everything I spent last year) to pay for it. When I ask him how much my dividend is…God is good. Because his reply was “looks like $30.”
This beautiful tent. A $230 tent, in fantastic condition, ended up costing me $0. I asked for a blessing, and God blessed my socks right off. (And lets just not talk about how much I spent at REI last year.)
Right now, the tent is sitting in my living room and I slept in it last night. While it takes up all the floor space in the room, I don’t care (sorry roommates). It’s a beautiful testament to God’s fun providence. God provides. Sometimes financially, sometimes in a good conversation, and sometimes in a tent.
I’m only $265 away from reaching my first deadline of $3500, due by June 20th! Want to join me financially? Click the Support Me link on the left, or email me for other donation options! God is good, and He will provide!
