I was given the challenge to write down ways that the Lord has been faithful in bringing me to the WR. I thought I would share some of these amazing, sometimes simple and sometimes obvious, times of the Lord’s handiwork.
His Handiwork in Faithfulness and Provision:
1. Before the WR was in my sight, I applied to teach overseas–the door was closed. I looked into seminary at Southwestern–that door was closed. I reapplied to teach overseas (because the first time didn’t go my way)–but the door was closed, again.
2. When I researched the WR trips again, I noticed the WR Fusion team. Fusion intrigued my attention–and it was like a Cinderella, perfect shoe moment. I loved the idea of an multicultural team. It is the desire of my heart to serve overseas with a diverse group of people (isn’t this a fantastic picture of the whole body working together for His kingdom and a future idea of what Heaven will look like?)
3. Eventually I decided obedience is best (though not the easiest to arrive at), but I still needed some accountability. Carrie was that accountability. Monday night at small group, she asked if I had applied…which I hadn’t. Can we say, conviction?
4. Tuesday, the very next night, my small group was cancelled because a bizarre miscommunication with an elderly home that didn’t put us on the calendar. Therefore, I had plenty of time that night to apply for the WR.
5. Then on Wednesday, the Lord cleared my schedule again so that I could finish the application process.
6. The next 3 weeks were a blur–online interview, phone interviews, testimony sharing, submission of paperwork, personal references (thanks Carrie and Whitley for dedicating so much time to this). And after what felt like the longest 3 weeks of my entire life, I received the call–the invitation to become a World Racer.
7. Over the summer, the Lord allowed me to have plenty of time to prepare and dedicate myself to seek out people to ask to support me (prayerfully and financially). (To be honest, I was not super pumped about this because the past 3 summers had been spent overseas, but I knew the Lord said, “This summer will be a summer of preparation, just wait”)
8. The Lord used our new Young Adult pastor’s wife (Leslie) to lead and guide me in how to fundraise and to proofread my letter/packet. This meeting encouraged me in the daunting task of fundraising, and allowed me to plan get-togethers for family and family-friends to share my vision.
9. The “strawberry shortcake socials” were designed to bring large groups of family members/family-friends together to share my heart and vision for this journey–they were beneficial in informing my family of my next chapter but also providing financial support.
10. In October I decided to plan a fundraiser night at a local restaurant. The fundraiser was a huge success–many people attended that night (Donations from that night: over $600!). Also I created a “giving tree” that held items that I needed for my trip. All of these items were taken and provided for (including my tent, my MacBook Air, external hard drive, peanut butter, Duct tape, and chapstick)
11. I met another World Racer (Rachel) on a random Sunday at Biltmore. And the best part of this story is that I didn’t even want to be at church or be friendly that day…but the Lord had other plans. This friendship has been awesome–to share the triumphs of the journey with and to question her with a multitude of questions as I prepared for the journey. Thanks Rachel for being my “she went on the World Race!” friend
12. Over the past few weeks the Lord has completely surprised me over and over again with financial donations–along with the $600 at Barberitos, I received over $900 during my “Going Away” weekend, and over $700 by unknown givers (anonymous donors). Then last night, I received a check for $2500 to finish the last stint of my financial needs for the race!!
13. As I went to all of my doctor appointments over the last few weeks in Asheville, the Lord gave blessing after blessing. My thyroid levels were stable, and I was able to receive 12 months of medicine for only $36! After my foreign travel appointment, I received 3 months of malaria medicine for only $36 (even though the lady warned that it would be very expensive–Praise the Lord for INSURANCE)! My dentist said my teeth were healthy and could travel for 11 months–and INSURANCE covered my dentist visit even though I was earlier than the normal “6 month visit.” I received all of my shots without any problems–I even had pre-rabies shots (just in case I am bitten by a mad animal).
14. All of the prayers and words of encouragement have come at the perfect timing–when Satan wanted to attack or bring me down, the Lord would bring someone into my life that would encourage me or pray over me. This satisfied my soul, and blessed me beyond words. It also challenges me to be aware of others around me to recognize when and how I can encourage and pray for others too.
My “this is how the Lord brought me to this point” list. The list I will review frequently (and add to) throughout my journey. It is a beautiful picture of His work in my life. It is a beautiful picture of how He has used so many people to impact my heart and life forever. This is a beautiful picture of His character, unconditional love and unmerited grace.
