Disclaimer: I wrote this on December 27th the night I was fully funded.
So the day has FINALLY come where I can announce I am fully funded! I’m so happy to enjoy the rest of this race without stressing about that (not that I really stressed out too much since I was already on the field), but let’s talk about why I actually like fundraising despite its “cry yourself to sleep” mindset it leaves me in.
Family:
In the stress of fundraising I was not the only person involved. My family showed their support to me by telling others about the trip I am on and did their best to keep me here. My family took this as an opportunity to love me by helping me out as much as they possibly could! In that, I realized I really appreciate what my family has done for me.
Friends:
While being around my community of fellow college student, I was shocked to see so many people helping me out with as much as the could with what little they had. I have a group of friends that had given me about $1,000+ for this trip. Moving more toward adulthood, I hear more often than not that our generation is lazy and unmotivated yet here I am wanting to change the world and love others. This trip gave my friends, my generation, an opportunity to join me on this journey by supporting me and they gladly did! My friends cared so much about me and took care of me. I am so thankful for that!
The body of Christ:
By putting the word out there saying I am going out to share the gospel I have had seen so many brothers and sisters in Christ choose into my journey and support me in that way. People I’ve never met, people I’ve knows for just a moment, people I haven’t seen in years, all have helped me. To see others understand the importance of building relationships and bringing others to Christ is so amazing. It shows that the work I am doing is good and is not for me, it truly is for others.
People who just want to help:
I have also had much support from people who see what I am doing and just want me to have a fun time! This means a lot to me because it shows that God can and will use anyone to continue His will. From the support I have from unbelievers, I am still thankful for them to be a part of my journey. I am thankful that others want me to live a life of adventure and help me get there. We live in a beautiful world. Thanks for sending me!
Fundraising is tough. It’s stressful, let me tell you I had many of nights crying and freaking out because I was not sure if I was going to make any of my goals. In fact, both of my first two goals were made late. In that stress, the Lord has taught me that He WILL provide. In those tears, the Lord has taught me that He wants to do the impossible for me. In the freak outs the Lord has taught me to trust Him.
I have been taught that God has strategically placed my life in a way where He will grow me to be at this exact place, moment, and second. It all leads to Him. His intentions for me. His love for me. I see it all. Fundraising… it’s amazing because I got to see God do the impossible for His children, for me.
