{Let me set the scene real quick before I write something that makes sense}
<Scene>
I am in my parents living room with the sun shining through the windows. The tree is still up with pretty white lights while my Dad’s stocking stuffers are still on the floor in front of the tv.
My mom is in the utility room sewing a drawstring in a pair of pants I need to take on my trip {you can hear the sewing machine humming}
I am surrounded by compression bags, and long skirts. {there is so many black clothes yall}
I have a new package in the mail (because that is a daily occurrence now a days) and its show and tell time to explain WHAT it is, and WHY I need it.
Dad’s come home for lunch and I have handed him another 10 THANK YOU card’s that I would like to go out today {praise the Lord there have been SOO many to write! Your giving is INSANE}
<end scene>
Since it being New Years Eve and all, I am reflecting on the year that is almost behind me. I think about the regrets, changes, moves, trips, decisions I’ve made, family, and what the Lord has done in such a short time.
365 days.
It’s a long time. But not really.
This past year though can be summarized in one name, that has already changed my life, without even stepping one foot into another country.
that name?
The World Race.
I decided to go. I planned ways to raise funds to do it, Lord willing, and here I sit on the floor around a pile of skirts and three months worth of Excedrin, teary eyed.
I am leaving for Atlanta in ONE WEEK from today. In 10 days I will be in the Dominican Republic for month one on the Race.
{happy/sad/excited/anxious tears}
I am able to leave next week beingFULLY FUNDED for the year because you showed up.
checkout my help for TWO Church Lunch World Race Fundraisers: soup, salad, sandwiches galore!
You believe in what the Lord is doing and believe that I can be a vessel for that. I am surrounded by travel size of everything you can think of because you believe in my heart for the world. A friend of mine I had lunch with a couple weeks back set a great picture of this whole fundraising experience and the works of community. {thanks Hannah}
We all have heard of this life being a ‘race’. We all have a picture of ourselves setting a good pace on this path, or feel like we’re dying, or feel like we are all alone in a woodsy trail run. Whichever path you take, someone has taken it before you and would love to pass on what they have lived their whole life to fulfill. You want to pass the baton to a young, willing, runner.
You who gave, are passing the baton to me.
You are saying ‘I don’t want to go, I am unable to go, or right now I can’t’ so ‘I am passing the baton to you, run well. ‘
This picture of you who gave SO generously makes me teary eyed.
I envision you passing me the paton, giving me a hug while you tell me one last piece of advice in my hear, and then tell me to ‘GO’ and pat me on the back as I begin.
Thank you.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
What a cool picture of community. Never have I felt more challenged and supported just through your kinds words, giving, and belief in me!
I am a recipient of this and I have never felt more empowered to live out each day to stand for what the Lord wants me to know about Him and His people.
You have made 2015 a year I will never forget because of your support.
2016, I can’t wait to tackle you in honor of ALL my supporters.
You’re the REAL MVP,
Anna
