This blog will fail.
The words and the content will fail to give you the thanks that you deserve. These simple sentences will fail to convey the extent of my gratitude to you. The stories will fail to show you the magnitude of the ways that the Lord worked this year.
Because of that, it’s taken me the whole month that I’ve been home to write this blog. I wasn’t sure where to start, when I knew that a simple blog wouldn’t do it justice. “Thank you,” is something that you say in passing to a simple act of kindness or to a sweet compliment or word of encouragement, but what do I say to those who sacrificed and gave so generously? What could I say or write to thank those that helped me fulfill what the Lord was calling me to and made this whole year possible?
After thinking through all the possibilities, all I could come up with were these simple words. Simple words that are packed with heartfelt gratitude and love for you all and the impact that you’ve made on my journey and on the Kingdom work that is going on all around the world.
Thank you to every one of you that partnered with me in this journey.
To those of you that offered encouraging words and enthusiasm for this adventure that the Lord was calling me on.
To those that prayed many prayers for me in preparation and throughout the duration of my trip.
To those that prayed for the people and nations I would encounter.
To those that made sure I had what I needed, whether that be a place to stay to save money for the trip or equipment for my trip.
To those that sent me off with kind words and letters to read when I just needed words from familiar people.
To those that sacrificed time to hear about this trip and my heart before I left and since I’ve been home.
To those that helped prepare and contribute to countless support raising events and always did so with a smile.
To those that followed along with my blogs.
To those that sacrificed financially to ensure that I was funded and would be able to stay/continue on.
To those that sent messages, took time to facetime, or just let me know you were thinking about and praying for me.
Thank you to all of you who have made my time back at home so sweet.
To all of who who’ve welcomed me back with enthusiasm and all the hugs.
To those who have asked specific questions and shown interest in hearing about all the Lord did.
To those of you who’ve sacrificed once again to donate to ensure that I can leave again and disciple a whole new group of racers.
To those of you who’ve recognized the change and what the Lord’s done in me and acknowledged the love and the heart that the Lord’s given me for this work.
To those who’ve sat and listened as I’ve shared stories and processed being home and going back out again.
Thank you to ALL of you that make up my support team over this last year. Your belief in me and in what the Lord is doing all around the world has meant more than you know and made it possible.
Because of YOU, I was able to see and experience the worldwide Church and see the Kingdom being brought down and going forth. I was able to preach the Gospel in remote villages in India to those who may not have ever heard of Jesus before. I was able to teach English and offer the hope and love of Jesus to students in the closed country of Vietnam. I was able to tell women and children in Albania how loved and valued they are. I was able to see 4 elderly women in Bulgaria dedicate their lives to Christ. I was able to feed the homeless on the streets of South Africa and let them know that they are seen and loved. I was able to go on some amazing adventures and see so many different beautiful parts of the globe. I was able to encounter the Holy Spirit in new ways and have the Lord transform so many things in me over this last year.
THIS is just a snapshot of what you made possible this year. This trip was not just mine. It was not about what “I” could do. This trip was just as much your trip as it was mine and it was about what Jesus could do and what He has done and what He is doing.
So, I offer you these two tiny words packed with stories, meaning, gratitude, and love. . . THANK YOU.
*This is my last blog wrapping up my #11n11 experience. Stay tuned to this blog though because I’ll still be posting as I venture out to squad lead a whole new World Race Squad. Hello, #5n5!*
