Hey guys! So, I wanted to update you all on where I’ve been in this whole process and how things are coming along. This journey so far has been nothing short of what I read about from other bloggers, and what I was told it would be. It’s been a crazy journey of ups and downs, encouragements and discouragements. I am learning so much about myself, and my strengths and weaknesses ALREADY!
This whole thing started originally because I was seeking adventure. I wanted to get out into the world and discover new things, new cultures, try new foods, and learn how to love in a better way. But now, man.. now it’s becoming something so much bigger than I could have ever imagined! This preparation process alone is wrecking me in the sense that it’s testing my faith, and absolutely forcing me to lean on God and my community of supporters and friends. I could not be staying as steadfast and as encouraged without the support of you guys, or the strength from God. This is no easy process guys! I am fully in awe of the things that this has been doing in my life, and other people’s lives that it’s encouraged and touched, and it’s only the very beginning!
I’ve been dealing with moments of depression and anxiety because I have been fearful of not being able to raise the full funds that I will need to go on this trip. I’ve dealt with sadness and wanting to hold on to the people I’m leaving behind for this next year, because I am the type of person that has a hard time letting things and people go. I love intensely, and have been codependent in a lot of areas of my life with people. So this trip not only is going to bring me closer to God, it’s going to show me that my strength and self worth doesn’t come from others, it comes from within myself and from our creator! There is so much beauty that I see that will come from this. All of it stems from discovering my identity and being able to project love out on to those who truly are without.
As far as the logistics go..currently, I am working for an agency that sends me to different hospitals to work, and they have been very inconsistent with giving me hours. I have been however, setting up fundraisers like the frozen yogurt raffle ticket drawing, t-shirt sales, and speaking and going to different churches to help me reach my goal, and have also have been donating plasma and working as many hours as I can get my hands on, weekends and all. Any and all that I can possibly do to raise as much of this myself, I have been doing. But, I realize that no matter how hard I work, God is in control and no matter how much I try and do all of this on my own, I simply can’t. That’s what is sort of the beautiful thing about all of this. I’ve talked to multiple people about this amazing mission, and it’s encouraged them to step out and do the unimaginable in their lives. It’s opened up their hearts to God, and shown them that he is love and represents that yearning in all of us to be light in such a dark world.
Through all of this, as hard as it is to let go of control with this process before the race, I see that truly I need all of your help in order to reach my goal. I simply can’t do this alone. I am so so thankful for each and every one of you who have been with me in this process so far and who have helped me financially and through your prayers and good vibes! 🙂 I love you all!
Please, if you feel led to partner with me financially in this journey, you can be set up for monthly donations if you wish, or can do a one time donation if you can. Please consider helping me in this journey. Thank you all so much!
Currently I am at $7,100 and need to reach $10,000 by January and the remainder of $17,417 by April 2017!
Love you guys!
