First of all I wanted to let you know that including future monthly donations I am now considered fully funded!!!!! Words can’t even express how grateful I am for your support and for investing in my life by investing in this journey. I plan on writing another blog bragging on just how amazing our God is and all of the different ways He has provided over the past year. However, I just wanted to let you know that I have met my deadline and will be able to continue on this awesome journey!
World Racers and other wedding guests at a traditional Malay wedding reception.
The past couple of days seem like a whirlwind! We finished up our ministry at the feeding center, attended a traditional Malay wedding reception, and participated in an 8km race through the streets of Malaysia. Yes, you read that right, I participated in an 8k! I was convicted last month about respecting my body as the temple that it is, so I started jogging/walking everyday with my team. We continued our team exercise throughout this month, and my endurance improved everyday. So, after much contemplation I decided to sign up for the race with four other women from my team.
I have never walked/jogged/run five miles before, so I had no idea what to expect. I just assumed that I would be the last one on the course and that I may not even finish in the allotted time. Despite my teams constant encouragement and belief that I would finish the race in plenty of time, I was still nervous that I would be the out of shape American finishing in last place. However, I decided to take a step of faith and believe that I could do something bigger than I have ever done before. What does it matter what other people think of me? I decided to run for the Lord! He is why I started exercising in the first place, and I felt as if it was a spiritual act of worship for me to honor Him as I ran.
All of the W.O.W. runners with our amazing encouraging teammate who woke up before the sun to cheer us on!
World Racers and a few of our friends ready to start the race.
Not only did I finish the race but I finished it half an hour earlier than I thought I would. Crossing the finish line was one of the most incredible moments of relief and amazement that I actually did it! The “non-runner� and “non-exerciser� finished an 8k! It was such an unforgettable experience!
Finishing my first ever race!!!
We did it!
I realized that my walk with the Lord is quite similar to my training and race experience. God is continually challenging me and teaching me new things everyday, yet I tend to stick to things in which I know I can be successful. I rarely take a step of faith to do things much bigger than myself, to put myself in situations where God is the only one on whom I can rely and where I can’t rely on my own reasoning or strength. It is uncomfortable and hard to put yourself in situations that you know will be challenging. That is why we have brothers and sisters in Christ to encourage us to take those steps of faith and to walk into those situations.
Love each of these AMAZING women!!!!
I am beyond grateful for the encouraging women I have the honor of living life with everyday. They not only encouraged me and believed in me that I could finish the 8k, but they also encourage me to take steps of faith in my walk with the Lord everyday. They don’t let me get away with the bare minimum, they challenge me to walk in the power and authority I have in Christ. One of these incredibly amazing women is still in need of $250 before the March 31st deadline. Cara (a.k.a. Carebear, Cara John Parker…) brings so much life, laughter and encouragement to our team, and we can’t do this without her.
Cara and I on our way to the wedding reception.
Please click here to help this incredible woman of the Lord finish the race. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support! It means more to me than you will ever know!
