What a miracle.
About a month before training camp, I was in a pre-race panic phase, and I received this sweet note from my friend, Danica. She was in her 3rd summer of support raising with Chi Alpha, and her stories of her boldness and God’s faithfulness encouraged me to trust the process. Here is the print she sent with her letter:
Around the edges of the print she wrote, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it. Psalm 81:10.”
In her note, her challenge to me: Eagerly expect God to provide. Go and receive all He has prepared for you.
Later that week, my family began discussing a Taste of the World Race open house on July 5th, the same day I flew to training camp. The introvert in me knew a house full of people, hours before camp, could be an emotional disaster, but all I could think of was Danica’s challenge. Expect God to provide. Be open and leave space for God to fill. Go receive what He’s prepared. I felt God whispering Take a chance. People want to support you, and I want to provide for you.
When I reluctantly gave in, and my task-oriented momma worked some party planning miracles while I was out of town. I barely had time to move out of my apartment and pack my 2 backpacks for camp, but she did it all.
Hours before I left for training camp, our home was filled with 50+ friends and family as I shared apprehensively about The World Race. When I agreed to the event, I never imagined more than 25 people would come at such short notice, so I was shocked. Sharing was a little intimidating.
In one afternoon though, God provided over $3000.
Back in March I surpassed my $3,500 deadline in 10 days, and that blew my mind. It was a miracle the first time, but over $3,000 donated or pledged in a few hours??? God was showing off!
Don’t get me wrong. Support raising has not been easy, but experiencing God’s faithfulness has been beyond worth it. I can honestly say I enjoyed support raising because the last 5 months have radically change my life. I have no idea what the next year has in store, but I have never been more okay with uncertainty.
At the end of July, I received an email from a donor who wants to cover the remaining balance on my account, after monthly donations come in, and I lost it. I was a teary mess, and I still almost can’t believe it. I am still in awe.
So, it is my great joy to say, I’M FULLY FUNDED!
Is that incredible or what?? I NEVER imagined I’d get to say that before launch.
This is all grace. Love, support, and provisions that I have done nothing to deserve.
Over and over again God has proven His faithfulness to me, even in the little things. He’s provided anything I could possibly need whether I ask or not. His provisions are not based on my pleas or prayers. He’s even provided things on my wish list like Thai pants and a cool backpacks that I never asked for! He just knew what was on my mind and loves me so darn well.
Like Danica’s challenge to me, I pray you make space in your life that only God can fill.
He loves you. He wants to come through for you.
Believe it and pray bigger prayers.
For any future racers, go out there and invite everyone you know to be a part of what God is doing around the world. Send more support letters than you’re comfortable with sending. Invite ALL of your Facebook friends to your events. Reach out to friends and family you haven’t spoken to in years. God wants to show up and show off. Take a risk on Him because He can do it. Just send the invitations, and trust Him.
This season has forced me to rely on God and my community. It’s challenged me to share this adventure with others because as I leave for 11 month, I need support and encouragement. I need God’s confirmation and affirmation.
When I’m beyond uncomfortable and homesick, and I don’t want to be on The World Race anymore, I hope to find some rest in knowing I am, without a doubt, exactly where God wants me to be.
To my friend and family, y’all have blessed my socks off through this season. I cannot thank you enough for your love, support, and encouragement. What I thought would be the most painful, stressful process ended up being the biggest blessing of my last 6 months here. Experiencing God’s faithfulness has challenged me and changed my heart. I am so excited to launch with the full confidence that this is where God is leading me. All of it, every penny, prayer, and word of encouragement has meant so much to me. I may never be able to articulate how truly grateful I am for you all, but thank you for supporting me and believing in me. Just thank you from the bottom of my heart.
If you would still like to contribute financially, feel free to contact me or give to [email protected] via Paypal. Gifts via Paypal are unfortunately not tax-deductible, but greatly help off-set the costs of gear, vaccinations, and other personal expenses while I’m traveling!
Thank you all for being a community that is so incredibly hard to leave.
Love you all.
