My dear friends and blog followers- my story is beginning a new chapter that I want to share. But first, some updates:
If you have been following my journey so far, you know that I was originally going to leave for the January 2019 World Race. You also know that, shortly before I left, I began feeling very sick following abnormal and unhealthy weight loss. The Lord had delayed my plans. Since then, I learned that it was a thyroid imbalance, and have begun taking care of my body in a way that compliments this diagnosis properly. At first, I was heartbroken, but, little by little, God began to intimately demonstrate Jeremiah 29:11 (For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future) and Proverbs 3:5-6 (Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths).
To be honest, there was no big aha! moment where I thought, “this, THIS, is why God asked me to stay in Arkansas a little while longer!” I learned that God’s relationship with us doesn’t always look like that, and He doesn’t always reveal His Plans for us like we want Him to. He does, however, remain steadfast in His love for us in daily life. I saw that so clearly these past few months. God whispers words of love and encouragement to me often, as long as I listen. I am so thankful for these moments in the midst of my waiting. I have loved being here with my family, and I learned to take each day as a chance to see what He has in store. Just to be transparent, it was definitely not all smiles; I still have hard days, wondering why I can’t just go out and do what God has called me to do. But that is what relationship with our heavenly Father looks like sometimes- trust. We can trust Him, even in the most uncertain of times. God has definitely called me to go on the race, but He has also called me to be here and present for the time being. My job now is to obey.
That being said- I have finally gotten healthy enough to finalize my NEXT WORLD RACE ROUTE! My new journey begins (drum roll) this October 2019! Beginning in October, I will be travelling to Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Benin, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Nepal, India, Myanmar, Thailand, and Malaysia to partner with local ministries in sharing the Good News to the ends of the Earth! I am pumped, but my time here is not done yet! I am still fundraising (about $7,000 to go) and expecting big things from God here in the United States. Prayer warriors, please continue to pray for me, as I firmly believe that God has been answering prayers in major ways for me these past few months- thanks to you! If you feel the Lord has called you to give, please follow this link to donate online. I appreciate your support more than ever, as God has spoken to me through giving time and time again lately.
