Hey everyone! First, I want to express my gratitude for all of the support that I’ve been shown throughout this journey. I have been so blessed by interactions with people that are so kind and uplifting about the race and I have been given multiple donations. I am so beyond thankful for all of it. Going into this experience, I faced a multitude of fears. I was fearful that people would dismiss my belief that this trip was for me. I was fearful that I wouldn’t receive donations due to people’s lack of belief that I was even going to go on this trip. I was fearful that I wouldn’t be shown support by the people that I needed it from most. I was fearful that I had misheard the Lord and wasn’t supposed to be taking this path. Despite all of the fears that I faced, I still had peace within me that I was doing what was right. I had peace about ultimately seeing God pull through in all areas…because that is who He is. And I really shouldn’t even be using the term “pull through” because although it may appear that way from my perspective, that isn’t how it is from God’s point of view. God illustrates every detail perfectly in His timing.
This journey has been full of moments that have tested my faith, and the REAL journey hasn’t even begun, so I am so excited to see what’s to come. First of all,fundraising has been a much harder process than I initially expected. It has been difficult to stay focused on my own course and not to wish I had the same amount as one of my teammates does, but as I previously mentioned, everything comes in God’s timing. He wants to show all of His children favor. It’s important that in our season of waiting, we are aware of what the Lord is trying to teach us. It seemed quite apparent that He has been trying to teach me patience and trust in Him…and I still have quite a ways to go. Second, it has been difficult to be present in this time period. I am so excited to meet all of my squadmates and to go on the race that I sometimes find myself wishing away the moments that I am currently living in. I wish time would speed up when in reality, I need time to slow down. I need to embrace these last few months I have left with the people that I hold so dear to my heart before I leave them for a long while. I need to enjoy the comfort I feel of being at home before I’m thrown into a life of each day bringing new uncertainty about what’s to come. Don’t get me wrong, I’m pumped about the days to come, but I know that there are going to be days on the race where I look back on these moments that I’m currently experiencing and will miss them. Overall, this journey has been one full of learning and stepping stones.
How I am currently feeling: I am feeling excited beyond belief. Training camp is less than a month away which means that I get to meet all of the people that I’ll be living with for the next 9 months SO SOON!! These people are some of the coolest people ever and I feel so blessed that God placed all of us together. Everyone is so encouraging and uplifting. It is so nice to be a part of a community like this one. I officially launch in about 3 months, which is even more exciting. I find myself constantly looking up videos of people that have been on the World Race and traveled to Swaziland, Thailand, or Nicaragua and just watch the videos in amazement that I will be living a similar life so soon. Going into this, I really have no fears. I know I am going to miss my sweet friends and family, but overall, I am at complete peace.
As far as fundraising goes, I am currently about $255 away from reaching my first goal of $5,000. My deadline to have this money is June 18th, so it is quickly approaching. Thank you so so much to everyone who has donated or has prayed that all of the money would flow in. I am so thankful and I cannot express that enough. If you have already donated and would like to again, that would be wonderful or if you haven’t donated and would like to, that would be wonderful as well!! I will leave the places where you can donate below. If you are unable to donate, I would also be so appreciative if you could lift me up in prayers.
I know this blog has been all over the place, but I just wanted to give an update on everything! You all have been so generous and I am just in awe of how faithful the Lord is. If you would like to donate, please see below! And please subscribe to my blog if you haven’t already! It will only take a second 🙂
Blog: gracelynanderson.theworldrace.org (click on the donate tab)
Venmo:@Gracelyn-Anderson
