Everyone who knows me knows this about me… I cry. A lot. I am brought to tears in happiness, sadness, movies, books, a touching story, kind words from a friend and the list goes on and on. However, I don’t think I have ever cried more than I have these last two months. Week after week I have watched donations to support my World Race roll in. Words cannot express my gratitude or show how incredibly touched I am by the selfless donations I’ve received from family, friends, Carter’s family members, people I haven’t spoken to in years, and even complete strangers.
The fundraising process was daunting and uncomfortable. My friends and family work so hard for their finances, and reaching out to loved ones to ask for financial support is humbling. Unfortunately though, I cannot serve in 11 countries for 11 months without help and partnership. So, I did it. I sent out fundraising letters. I tried to articulate to my loved ones my heart and the lives their dollars would touch. I felt guilty as I put these letters in the mail. How can I ask others to support something that I have been called to do? Will people feel an obligation to give? Will my friends and family be put in an awkward position by receiving these letters? Many of these thoughts flooded my mind. So I prayed as I stuck the letters in my mailbox, asking that my words would be received well, and giving my fundraising fears to The Lord.
I can honestly say that the following months completely blew my mind. Donations from all over began to flood in and with each donation tears filled my eyes. Every dollar from every individual that donated has touched me to the core. I am overwhelmed and so incredibly thankful for what you all have done for me. Sacrifice, selfless sacrifice is what I feel from your donations. So many people have been willing to put their own needs aside and sacrifice in their lives to bring love to those who have never felt love, life to people who are barely hanging on, food to children who don’t know where their next meal is coming from, hope to nations that have been living hopeless for decades, and Christ to all who have never heard His name. Because of the financial and prayer support you all provide, these things are made possible.
I feel a tremendous responsibility to honor each dollar that has been given to me. I will take every step on my journey to steward these finances well. When times are hard or unbearable, I will remember the sacrifices you all have made to get me here, and I will push on.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. To everyone who has made my trip possible with financial and/or prayer support- you have made a difference in the lives of so many. I can’t wait to update you all on the places your dollars are going and the work you have been a part of.
All my love to each of you <3
“Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.”
Deuteronomy 15:10
