Thanks to the latest couple donors, I have just passed $6000!! Praise God! Recently, I was talking with people about fundraising- how much I’ve raised, how much I have left. When I was excitedly telling them that I was so close to hitting 6000, their response wasn’t what I expected. It wasn’t joy or comfort in the Lord’s provision, it was the opposite, actually. They pointed out how much more I needed to raise, and asked with concern what I was planning for my next fundraiser. After that conversation, my outlook took a 180. I began to feel anxious about raising the money- what kinds of fundraisers I could do, the little amount of time I have before I go, the other obligations I have that would take away time from fundraising, etc, etc, etc. After a few months of very little anxiety, my mind went back to that dark place of uncertainty and doubt in an instant. It’s kind of scary to think about how fast it happened.
I prayed for peace and guidance through fundraising, thanking God for being in charge of providing funds. For the next few days, I was bombarded with bible verses, devotionals, podcasts, and music that confirmed that our Father fills us with peace- combating all of the evil and dark thoughts Satan places in our minds.
“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body, you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” Colossians 3:15
Over the last week, I’ve studied Ephesians 6, when Paul talked about putting on “God’s armor.” We are in constant battle against Satan- he tries to get in our heads, using our thoughts against us. If we put on God’s armor- the belt of truth, shoes of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit- we are ready to fight for and with God. Every single day.
I imagine that in the coming months, the fight is going to get more intense because I’ll be getting closer and closer to spreading God’s love to the nations, which isn’t really Satan’s idea of a good time.
I’m just glad I’m the daughter of the One who will always win.
Life Update:
This is the last week of school. The last week of my first paying teaching job. So much has happened in these last few months, I’ve learned a TON at work (I might have to write about some of the things I learned another time), met a bunch of really great people, some of whom I now consider close friends, and God has shown me time and time again that he will provide when the time is right. Now that the semester is coming to a close, I’m sad to see it end, but excited for the next season to begin.
This summer, I will be working at a science center here in town- it’s a place kids can go to learn while having a ton of fun. I will get to help lead week-long camps throughout the summer. I did the same job last summer, then again over Christmas and Spring Break. I always have a great time working there, so I’m excited to be back!
As for World Race prep, I’ve been doing my fair share of research when it comes to gear. Slowly but surely, my collection of camping gear is growing in the middle of the living room (sorry Mom, the tent is STILL set up). Every time another package comes in the mail, it solidifies the fact that I’m actually going. It makes it real. I’ll try to post a picture with all my new toys (home, bed, closet) soon!
Training camp is in 59 days! That’s TWO MONTHS, people!! Holy cow, time is flying! I’ve loved getting to know my squadmates through facebook, but let’s be real, having face-to-face conversations with the people I’ll be living and working alongside for a year will be FAB.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers! Please continue to pray for me as well as the men and women on my squad. I have about $10,000 left to raise, so if you would like to join my team to help spread the love and peace of the Lord, click on the “Support Me!” link on the left. Please prayerfully consider making a monthly or one-time donation. Any little bit helps!
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I apologize if this blog is all over the place. My brain stops working at about 9pm.
xo, Caitlin
