Seriously, where do I start? Preparing for The World Race has been amazing, crazy, fun, stressful, intimidating, emotional, humbling, and the list could go on with words of description. To get right to the bottom of it we CANNOT do this alone. First and foremost we need the comfort, love, blessings, and hope from our Creator. We need our prayer warriors. We need our financial supporters. We need our fellow racers. The community contribution to prepare is so extremely essential.
Proverbs 24:27 – Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house.
Sending out a much-appreciated shout of praise and thanks to all who have been a part of this adventure with me so far. I am currently 58.49% funded = $9,520.
There are currently 53 people on my squad (U SQUAD). We have a private Facebook page where we toss about prayer requests, packing questions, music, praise reports, books to read, which vaccines are needed, skype sessions, prayer partners, fundraising options… you get the idea pretty much anything and everything. We have already created such an amazing family over social media, and here we are about to be living in tight quarters with one another for 11 months!
As far as fundraising goes for me personally I have sent out support letters which were not only intended as an invitation for financial and prayer support, but also as a update to where God is leading me with a huge commitment that I am honored to be a disciple of. I had a Super Bowl pool. I have been selling my handmade essential oil diffuser necklaces. I am currently selling raffle tickets for an MMR-Mossberg rifle. I will have t-shirts to help with funding soon. I will also be selling raffle tickets for a handmade quilt by my neighbor, one of her dear friends, and myself (it is seriously going to be hard to raffle off I want it for my bed).
theCHURCH has been so kind to help me with printing the t-shirts, and I will be setting up a booth after services for a couple of weeks selling the t-shirts and raffle tickets. This will help not only fundraising, but also get the word out to the community what The World Race is. How we will be reaching out to 11 countries in 11 months with love.
Outside of fundraising preparing for The World Race I was blessed with the opportunity to go on a pilgrimage of The Holy Land. This gave me a whole new set of eyes and understanding of The Bible. It was my first time spending a considerable duration of time among a group of believers. This experience was so amazing! The Lord blessed me with some amazing people that have touched my heart so generously with inspiration, love, and family.
I spend a considerable amount of time reading The Bible, listening to DAB (Daily Audio Bible), reading spiritually based books, listening to audible books, jamming out to praise and worship music, journaling, and embracing time to create a deeper spiritual connection. By spiritual connection I mean with The Holy Spirit and my community. A couple of weeks ago I was led to fast. I have done 24 hour fasts before, but this time I was led to fast for 3 days with water only. 3 days actually turned into 4 days as I requested a 24 hour fast from my squad, and had a beautiful outcome of racers join me. A few days later The Holy Spirit led me to commit to a Daniel’s Fast of 21 days. (Stay tuned I will be writing a blog all my experience with fasting. WOW! Just WOW) This coming weekend I am attending a women’s conference, which I am sure will be another blog post.
Another part of the preparation has been shopping for the gear needed while on the race. REI must have a huge love for World Racers. There is a considerable list for gear, while with that said we have to try our best to pack as light and compact as possible. (tents, sleeping bags/pads, headlamps, mosquito nets, rain jackets, packs, shoes, toothbrushes, etc…. It gets sooo detailed!)
I know the Lord is preparing each and every one of us according to where He sees fit. Most all of us are being brought to a place of super vulnerability, as fundraising isn’t a walk in the park. We are pretty much constantly busy with our current jobs, activities, and preparation. As I among the others in my squad…my family… we need all the prayers and financial support you can offer. We are all in constant prayer for each other’s funds to come through. We are in this as a team! Like I said we CANNOT do this alone with need Jesus, our community of support and prayers, and our Squad.
Luke 6:38 – Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into you lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.
Heavenly Father,
I thank you for each and every person involved in preparation for The World Race. I pray for the funding of my entire squad. Lord with you we know all things are possible. I pray that we apply ourselves to reach out for all that is needed to bring glory to your kingdom. Thank you for creating an amazing community and family, as we are about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Lord, we know that when others bless you will bless them. We are thankful for your love and this season! In Jesus name – Amen
