It's been a couple of weeks since I've last written a post and I feel like so much has been going on since the last time I wrote, so I think it's about time to update all of my lovely readers and supporters!
First of all– as of today, I've exceeded my FIRST fundraising deadline! Praise God!! I needed $3,500 to be able to attend my 10-day long training camp in May, and thanks to YOU, I will be able to go. At training camp, I'll be meeting my squad for the first time (besides the Friday night video chats we've already been having!) and we will be put into the teams that we will spend the next year serving alongside. My next deadline is June 17th, when I will need to have $6,500 raised. I'd just like to give a HUGE shout out to anyone who has already supported me, whether it be financially or prayerfully. I have never had to fundraise like this before, and it makes my heart so joyful to know that people (even complete strangers) are supportive of my decision follow Jesus' call and go on the race.
As a little financial sidenote– I've had some recent issues come up with my student loan payments while I'll be gone. I'm not sure what will happen yet; but I do know that I won't be able to afford regular monthly payments for the duration of the trip. I do know that if it's the Lord's desire for me to go on the race, that somehow an answer will come through! I would REALLY appreciate prayers concerning this if you'd like to be praying for me right now!
In other news, I've really been able to kick off my "pre-race preparations" that I talked about in my previous post. Through A LOT of prayer, discussions, and readings (I'm currently reading Joyce Meyer's Battlefield of the Mind), I've already noticed a shift in my spirit. I've gone through days of serious doubt, but thanks to all of my prayer warriors (especially my squad mates), I've been able to overcome the unease that I felt. When I try to think about the race logically, it doesn't make sense for me to go. I have a great job, a wonderful community of believers, and well– a comfortable life in Pittsburgh. In all honesty, my life seems to be falling right into place… the things I've always wanted are becoming a reality for me before my eyes! However, when I try to reason exactly why I'm leaving all of this behind, I become confused and my obedience to the Lord's call starts to fade.
Proverbs 3:5 says to "Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding." Does it rationally make sense (according to my human understanding) for me to go on the race? Well… not really. But it's through this uncertainty and huge question mark of unknown-ness (making up words here) that the Lord is able to work in my life. When I stop trying to control and compartmentalize everything, I can be used to fulfill God's purpose through HIS plan. Honestly, letting go of control is the most freeing thing that I can do.
Time has been flying the past month. I've traveled all over Florida, Tennessee, and (currently) Colorado for work. I have no idea where the month of March went, but I do know that it has been a month that has changed me. My sweet Father has proven himself to be so faithful, and I've been led to continually worship and praise him for the gifts that he literally dropped right in front of me at the most unexpected of times.
In closing, all I have to say is: I give up trying to control my life. Today and every day. Jesus… you've won me.
