“Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21 (emphasis added)
When I signed up for the World Race, I knew I would need months to prepare and be fully equipped to go out into the missions field. I read a few blogs about what kind of backpack to get and how to pack everything you need for nearly a year in just one bag, but I had no clue what it would really take to be fully equipped for this trip.
While I’m still not quite ready to head out in June just yet, I have gotten quite a dose of equipping this month, and I want to take a minute to thank everyone who has been walking this journey with me thus far. One of the biggest blessings of this month has been fundraising. As I’m writing this, I am 40% funded, with another $7,100 pledged in the New Year. That puts me at just over $4,300 left to raise! THANK YOU to everyone who has already supported me-this would not be possible without you! If you’d like the join the team sending me and help me get to 100% (with a tax-deductible year-end gift!), you can do so at the top of this page.
And now, for the good stuff: THANK YOU TIMES A MILLION…
To Cindy, the sweet travel nurse I saw this month. I almost laughed when she handed me a thick packet full of information about how to stay healthy in each country my team and I will be visiting on the World Race next year. I am grateful to her for sharing the information (and yellow fever shot) I need to be ready for this kind of travel.
To my friends: I almost cried when some of my sweet friends gathered at my house on a random Friday night to eat ice cream and drink hot cocoa and support me, generously giving $378 in just a few short hours. We had an amazing time hanging out and talking and laughing, and seeing their outpouring of belief in this mission was humbling. I am grateful for those who came and for those who couldn’t be there but wrote me or donated anyways. Friends both near and far have gathered around me to remind me that I’m not walking this journey alone. You guys are incredible.
To my company: I still can’t believe how encouraging everyone at work has been since telling them that this will be my next step after my Orr Fellowship program ends next year. My coworkers are some of the most generous, supportive people I know. Thank you for helping me grow both professionally and personally over the last year and a half, giving me tons of opportunities in and out of the office to challenge myself and stretch to the next level.
To all my church families: I am constantly blessed by my church families both old and new. Thank you for your unwavering prayers and support, and for your belief in me and this mission to share Jesus’s hope and love with people around the world.
To my family-family: Thank you for years of your love and preparation that have gotten me to this point to even be able to go on the World Race. Thank you for letting your love be bigger than fear, and for allowing me to take this leap of faith. I literally would not be here today without you all.
To the Lord: Thank you, Father, for equipping me with everything good to do your will, and for sending so many to help me prepare. Thank you for this incredible opportunity to share your love with the world. May those we encounter see you and know they are loved.
To everyone who reads this: Thank you for being part of my journey! Many blessings to you and your loved ones over this holiday season!
