Overwhelm: To overcome completely in mind or feeling.
For the past month, I have been overwhelmed by a multitude of feelings from joy and excitement to fear and anxiety since sharing my plans to take a gap year. While this has been an interesting process so far, it has proved to have its difficulties. I have found myself staring at nothing while thinking about everything. I frequently think about where I will be exactly one year from now, and each time I see something different. Sometimes I see myself hugging children in Nepal or laughing with my teammates in Swaziland which brings so much excitement that I can’t help but smile. But other times I see myself feeling alone and homesick in an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar people. I have realized that I can become completely wrapped up in my own feelings that I forget the reason that I am going on a trip like this in the first place. God called me to get out of my comfort zone to share His love around the world.
I have also been so overwhelmed by the encouragement that I’ve received from everyone. The positive reactions from people have been so motivating and have made me more confident in my decision to put off college for a year. It’s been intimidating to stray from the norm of college right after high school, but also refreshing. It’s refreshing to know that it is okay to go a nontraditional route and people will still support you.
In a month and a half, I have received over $14,000 in donations. God has been so faithful in providing financially for this mission through the generous hearts of others. I wasn’t expecting to raise so much so fast, but it just assures me that this is what I’m supposed to be doing next year. I have been amazed that people who don’t even know me are willing to invest in my trip. I love that others have as much faith as me that God is going to do big things throughout the nine months of my trip.
IMPORTANT FUNDRAISING UPDATE: I’m so excited to say that I have already raised 90% of my overall goal of $15,800!!! I wanted to let you all know that any money that I raise over my goal through Adventures in Missions does not go directly towards my trip, but to a general ministry fund and are nonrefundable.
With that being said, here are ways that you can still join my support team:
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Pray: Continue to pray for my team and I as we prepare for training camp in July and launch in September. Please pray that I find comfort and strength in Jesus throughout the days of anxiety and fear.
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Gear/Vaccinations: Outside of raising $15,800, I need to purchase all of my gear for the nine months that I am on the field (tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, etc), as well as vaccinations. I estimate the total cost to be around $3,000. If you would like to donate for a specific item or towards the overall cost of my gear, please send checks directly made out to me to:
Sarah West
3802 E. Chatsworth Road
Fayetteville, AR 72703
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Share and Subscribe: I would love it if you would share my blog/story by word and social media! Getting the word out is so important and is the easiest way to support my mission. Also, you can follow me by subscribing to my blog! I want to tell you all about my journey and experiences.
Please don’t hesitate to email me at [email protected] with any questions!
Thank you SO MUCH to everyone who has supported me already through donations, prayer and encouragement. I am so happy to have you on my support team throughout the next year.
With love,
Sarah
