I am leaving in 1 day and I stand in awe of God’s faithfulness. 268 days ago I got accepted to go on the World Race. 268 days ago, I also looked at some mountains in front of me and wondered how I was going to get past them; I can now say I have overcome.
I needed to fundraise $18,700 for the trip and that’s not a small amount of money. But I stand here to say I am completely funded.
I have learned so much from the fundraising process. At the beginning I did everything I knew to do to raise the money, but it wasn’t really coming in. It was when I stopped trying and said, “God I give this to you, do what only you can do.” Then it was like a flood gate opened, money was coming from so many people, and they were all saying, “God told me to give you this amount”. What I learned is that when we try from our own strength, its slow moving, but once we completely put our trust in God then we can see His faithfulness. When people asked how I was able to raise so much, I didn’t know what to tell them besides God is faithful. Where He calls, He provides.
I also had to purchase gear out of my own pocket, on top of the money I needed to fundraise. I knew so little about how complicated it would be to buy everything. You cant just go pick a cute sleeping bag. You have to research what style you want, how much you can afford for it to weigh, and exactly how small a compression sack can make it. It made my head hurt. But at last, I figured out everything I need for the little home I will be carrying on my back for 11 months. And God provided it for me, everything from wisdom in what to buy, to the finances to purchase the items.
After I figured out exactly what I needed to bring and bought it, I had to figure out how to make it all fit in my backpack. And I am happy to report, I have tried a few dry runs and everything fits! I’m not going to lie, I was afraid it was not going to fit, because I’m a recovering over-packer.
While all this was happening, I was also ending a season of my life by gradating from Christ For The Nations and moving back to Austin, TX. Once in Austin, I was trying to find a new job, prepare for a 11 month trip, figure out all I needed to bring for this trip, and spend as much time with friends and family as I could before leaving. But it all worked out and I learned so much in the last couple of months.
“What do you expect out of this year?” Thats probably one of the hardest questions I have been contemplating this whole time. I know I will grow deeper with God, see His miracles, experience new things, and learn about God the whole way though. But, for me the part I am the most excited about is seeing people’s lives changed by God, just like my life was changed. I am excited for people to know God’s love for them and that He is seeking a relationship with them.
It has finally started to hit me, I am leaving for almost an entire year. I have started the goodbyes, I have packed, and now all that’s left to do is leave. Thank you guys for following this journey that God is taking me on, and if you haven’t subscribed yet, I challenge you to hit the “subscribe” button. Follow along with me as I see God move and am completely overwhelmed by His love and faithfulness.
