Joining the WR has, in itself, been a leap of faith. I am realizing this more and more as the fact that I will be traveling around the world soon starts to sets in. I will be sleeping in a tent, eating rice and beans, and not showering for who knows how long? I will be missing my parents’ birthdays, both of my brothers’ birthdays, Christmas, a friend’s wedding, and who knows what else? Why would someone want to miss all of those special events to live in third world countries for a year? Because God is CALLING me to. He has put this mission on my heart, and said, “Here you go!” Now what? As the reality of my next year starts to set in, I am finding myself stuck in this gray area. I am stuck in between wanting to be super active about my fundraising, and taking it into my hands. Contacting more people, selling a lot of my things, working full time, etc. The other side to this struggle is putting all of this energy into my faith in Father. Hebrews 11:1 – Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about we do not see. Read it again and let it sink in. We can read this repeatedly, but when do we start to believe it? And when we start to believe it, when do we start to act with such faith? My faith has been tested like I have never experienced before, and it is my constant prayer to give my stress, doubt, and worry about this nearing endeavor to our God. We are surrounded with the American, selfish mentality of, “I Can”, and I am forcing myself out of that box, into, “My Father Can”.
At church last night we were having a Q&A session with some pastors and the youth. One question asked was, “What do I do when it seems I have lost my faith, and I want it back?” The pastors both encouraged surrounding yourself with positive Godly influences, who will build you up again. One mentioned a point that stuck with me, that faith is not determined by feelings. If we do not feel like God is with us, that doesn’t mean that he isn’t. He is always with us. 2 Corinthians 6: 16…As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God and they will be my people.” This is what I need to remind myself of, that regardless of what I am feeling, my Father is with me… and I am so thankful!!
Thank you all for reading my blog – None of this would be possible without all of you here to support me. I have copied down a list of the dates I need to meet financially, which does not include the entire behind the scene expenses such as vaccinations, insurance, etc.
- $3,000 – Due 6/18/2011 (2 weeks before Training Camp)
- $6,000 – Due 8/18/2011 (2 weeks prior to your trip)
- $10,500 – Due 12/1/2011 (End of 3 months on the field)
- $14,800 – Total Due 3/1/2012 (End of 6 months on the field)
If anyone is interested in supporting me with packing list needs instead of a simple financial donation, I am more than happy to accept that! Here is a list of a few things that I am needing…
- A 60-70 L Backpack – to act as my suitcase for the year
- A freestanding 2 person tent with a rain fly and foot print (for underneath it) – to be 5-6lbs
- A sleeping bag for at least 35 degrees, and a liner for warmer weather
- A lightweight, yet good quality sleeping pad (my bedding for the next year!)
- Outlet converter/voltage converter
- Travel locks – combination lock is better than keyed lock (WR TIP: Bring Key Rings to lock the zippers on your purse, daypack, or backpack. It takes too long for thieves to undue and will deter them from picking you as their target.)
- Clothes line
- Eating utensils including silverware, mug, plate, and bow
- Headlamp
- Small packing towel
