Long since before the beginning of this journey to do The World Race I have been amazed by the Lord’s attention to me. While on The Race that awareness has grown. Maybe it is that it is now necessary to rely wholly on Him. Maybe it’s the sleeping on floors and walking a block to take a shower that makes me notice the ‘little’ blessings bestowed upon me daily. Maybe it is that I don’t have the ability or freedom to run and grab whatever I would need or want from Target. (We travel in pairs, aren’t allowed to drive & there is not a Target here)
I can remember when I decided to apply for The World Race. I was encouraged to do so by a friend while on an earthquake relief trip to Nepal last July. When I returned to the states I mentioned it to a regular customer and friend at Starbucks, he also encouraged me. When I told him that I had been accepted, he pulled out his wallet, gave me what cash he had. This was the beginning of affirmation.
It seemed every which way I turned there were people offering to help, giving me ideas on how to raise money, praying for me, excited for me, asking about what the trip would entail.
I was living on a high.
I knew the people the Lord had placed in my life were there for a reason in this season.
As you know raising funds for this trip could be a daunting task. Likewise, finding and paying for the gear needed for the trip.
Things just began to happen. I entered a drawing to win ‘travel underwear’, I won. I entered a drawing to win a gift card to The Great Outdoor Store, I won. A regular customer asked me when my next mission trip would be, I told her about the race, she pulled out her checkbook on the spot, told me I had to spend it at The Great Outdoor Store. I asked other regular customers and world travelers advice on MacBook v. iPad. Next thing I knew I had an iPad mini (typing on it right now) and a gift card to REI. I had several large donations that made fundraising much less scary. The numerous other donations added up quickly. Each financial deadline set by Adventures In Missions was met. My gear pile was beginning to take shape.
These are big things to me, raising nearly $17,000 through incredibly generous people is HUGE. I am continuously blown away by the provision that has been granted me.
Now, here I am in Albania, month six of the race. I can’t believe we are at the half way point. I look back over the last several months at all of those big things have happened to get me here. There are so many little things as well.
I had prayed to be in Bogotá for month three, in hopes of reuniting with my Valleyfair friends. My team was the only team placed in Bogotá that month. I’ve been blessed to add to my number of friends there.
My birthday was in Greece, my teammates treated me to time in the park (I long for outdoor time where concrete isn’t involved), Starbucks, time on the water and chocolate.
While we were on the bus from Thessaloniki to Skopje, I thought about how much I missed taking baths…long, hot baths, with no one waiting to use the restroom. Our team arrived in Skopje first and there was a giant, corner tub with jets.
While on the bus from Skopje to Podgorica, I thought about how I would like to try to live in a camper like I had seen some Roma Gypsies do. When our team arrived, there were two campers parked outside the church where we were serving for the month. I was home. I miss the ceiling painted with clouds and the rain on the roof lulling me to sleep most nights.
While on the bus from Podgorica to Tirana, I thought about how fun bonfires are in the summer time, how I wish I had packed my coloring book. We arrived to our apartment, a teammate took out her coloring book, said she didn’t need it and asked if any of us would use it. Our host invited us to his home for coffee and to talk over the schedule for the upcoming month. We sat in their yard around their fire pit.
It’s getting warm here. One of my favorite summer time snacks is sunflower seeds with a coke. My teammates went to the store one evening and returned with a coke. A couple nights later they returned with salted sunflower seeds (hadn’t found salted ones until now).
I receive random messages from friends I’ve made so far along the way and am incredibly grateful for the grace and love showered upon me.
I know Jesus is in this.
These little gifts added to the multiple hugs, high fives, fist bumps and cheek kisses from little grandma ladies in a kitchen are making me feel loved.
In all of these things I see how Jesus is pursuing me. I am in awe at this opportunity and looking forward to the rest of my time on The Race, to see how much I can grow and learn.
Updates!
Several of my squad mates are looking to raise a few more funds. Some need a little, some need a lot and any amount helps. You can go to their blogs to donate if you feel led. Please pray for provision for our squad.
Sallyfalancalanca.theworldrace.org
Ryanstephens.theworldrace.org
Seanfalconer.theworldrace.org
Talialinde.theworldrace.org
Estherhouser.theworldrace.org
Alexkeeley.theworldrace.org
Pameleachristian.theworldrace.org
Mikeward.theworldrace.org
Alexisleon.theworldrace.org
There are repairs on the home front to be made. I’d appreciate your prayers in this matter, if you feel led you are able to contribute at gofundme.com/atworldrace
Thank you for all of your love and support!
