Maybe it’s bad to start a blog out with an apology, but here is goes… I am sorry that I am still learning the importance of blogging! Or actually sitting down to write the blog. If only I could tell you all the great “blog topics” I’ve thought of in the last few weeks… I appreciate every single one of you who has taken the time to visit my page, read, support, and pray. So I promise I will work on getting better at this to provide consistent updates because I know how important that will be when my communication is limited!
Aside from learning to be a “good blogger” there are endless ways the Lord has stretched me in this process. Let’s start with fundraising. Asking people for money is not an easy task. But I have to remind myself it’s not just that. I am asking you to invest in a mission that is important to me. I am asking you to help send me – to see and experience all the world has to offer. In fundraising, I am learned the work it takes to make asks, follow up, communicate clearly, and patiently (or not so patiently) wait to see the benefits. My support has come in waves, and let me tell you, when those waves are small, it is HARD to have BIG faith. But I hope I can look back at this and see, as I already have, that God is in control. He set this plan up for me, so He will not let it fail. That doesn’t mean I just sit back and wait. That’s why I am giving this update, sending more letters, and brainstorming creative ways to help others understand the importance of this mission to me.
God is stretching my relationships. From the day I started this application process, I was afraid. I was afraid because I knew there would be people who didn’t understand or maybe completely disagreed with what I was doing. Being someone who has sought other people’s opinions for approval all my life, this was a hard reality to face. Fortunately, I have seen some of those people come around… J Like my mom. I told her when I was applying for the World Race and she FREAKED OUT! It was a hard time in our family as we were facing a sickness. Thinking about me leaving for so long was a huge weight on top of dealing with that. It took us almost two months to have a real, solid conversation about this opportunity and what it would look like. We discussed hard questions, we cried, and I left the talk wondering if she would ever support me. I talked to my Grandpa a few weeks later, and he too expressed his complete disapproval of my decision. My Mom and Grandpa have been ROCKS in my life. I always turned to them for advice, support, encouragement, sharing news, etc. I have no idea what happened, but when my mom was visiting recently, she started sharing about the last time she saw my grandpa and how she was encouraging HIM to be more supportive of my trip. I didn’t say anything but I was blown away that her perspective had changed and she was now speaking positively to him! I am so thankful for this change and know it will be hard for her as a Mama, but hope she will see, through more consistent blog updates, how this trip is changing me for the better and allowing me to share my love with others.
My friendships have also been stretched in this process. It has been humbling seeing who supports me and how. I had this vision how it would happen but it hasn’t really played out that way. Regardless, it has been so cool seeing things come through that I didn’t expect. I do not take these situations for granted. It is a constant reminder that it is God’s plan, not mine. Another area of relationships that has been put to the test was at work. Have you ever put in your “notice” at work? Do you remember how scary that was? Thinking of every possible response they might have, the defenses you build in your head or responses you calculate to help them understand why you are making that decision to leave? Well, that’s exactly what happened when the day came for me to tell my boss. Do you ever get through one of these tough situations and realize all the crazy scenarios you came up with were just that, crazy?! Because that’s also what happened to me. Through all of this, my boss has actually been one of my biggest supporters and I am so grateful!
There are a few other areas I would love to share with you how I am being stretched… but for the sake of keeping your attention I am going to pause here. My next blog will be a “part 2” of this one, sharing how God is stretching me in my time/scheduling and church relationships. Hope you are excited to see what’s next! I promise it won’t be so long!
In conclusion, I want to leave you with this: some people are blessed with resources so they can bless others. This is an amazing opportunity for just that – will you consider how you can play a part in this “sending” so that I can take that step and share with others?
“A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9
