Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Thanks to God working through YOU I was able to not only meet my first deadline, but exceed my goal! This is a huge accomplishment and means so much to me.
Time is flying by and I will be “launching” in 3 short months! A lot of preparations are underway and I need your help in order to launch. My next financial goal is to raise $10,000 by December 15th. I only have $3,765 to go and I know God will provide that and so much more! If you feel lead to donate that would be awesome. If you know of friends or family members who would like to donate, please pass on the information to them. Also, prayers would be incredibly appreciated during this time- for God’s continued guidance, financial support, safe travels and for training camp next week.
Thanks to your generosity I’m able to go to training camp. I leave in 9 days!! I’m excited, nervous and every emotion in between. Training camp is a time for my squad mates to meet each other and to prepare for the next year overseas. It’s an opportunity for us to learn about the various cultures, try out our camping gear (we are camping for 10 days!) and to prepare physically and spiritually. We’re told to come without any expectations. As a planner and someone who likes to be prepared, that makes me nervous.
I’ve been busy preparing for training camp and my year abroad. Some days I’m a bit overwhelmed when I look at how many things I need to get done before I leave. There are days of doubt where I think I won’t be able to handle the year of challenges or be able to help those in need. Some days are hard knowing that I will have to say “see you later” to my family and friends and miss out on a year of their lives. There are times when I wonder if it’s worth raising money and working overtime in order to go.
It is worth it! There will be challenges, but God will be with me and guiding me. It’s true, I can’t make people believe the gospel or help them with all of their needs, but God can! I may not see people come to Christ, but God will use me to plant a seed in their hearts. Yes, it’s worth it! One person’s salvation is worth more than the $17,000+ I will need over the next year. Yes, I will miss out on a year of my family and friends lives here in the States, but I know God will use this time to grow our relationships in different ways. Preparing for the World Race is teaching me to trust in God more and rely on myself less. It’s not easy because I like controlling things, but God is in ultimate control.
Mark 13:11 says, “…do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, But the Holy Spirit.” This verse has given me comfort as I prepare to spread the gospel.
I can’t thank YOU, my community of friends and family, enough for all the support you have given me. Whether it’s been through prayer, words of encouragement, helping me with gear, physically training with me or financially supporting me. I truly can’t do this without you.
For those of you who are curious, here are some of the ways I’ve been preparing for the World Race:
Physical Training: We need to be able to carry our own gear (about 35 lbs), so I’ve been going on practice hikes and working out consistently. My friend Amanda joined me on a practice hike through Chicago!
Gear: We may be camping for the year, so I’ve been learning a lot about backpacking gear and ways to effectively pack. There are so many options for everything, it can be a bit overwhelming. I’ve also been trying out the gear to make sure it’ll work. My nephew was excited to try out my new tent!
Fundraising: Preparing letters and emails for financial support.
I’m both excited and nervous to head off to Georgia for 10 days, but I know God will be with me and bless that time.
