My darling supporters,
I want to thank each one of you for your love and support. I so appreciate it.
To my coworkers (and friends), thank you for your generosity, encouragement and ideas for future fundraisers.
To my family and friends, thank you for your prayers, support (financially and emotionally) and patience as I work through the emotional rollercoaster of being away from home for so long.
And to my church family, thank you for your overwhelming generosity. It has had me in tears many times.
So How Are Things Going?
Financially: I am at 10% of my overall fundraising goal. Yay! $1812.00! A huge thank you to everyone who has given financially. I am truly touched. Thank you.
My first deadline is coming up quickly: $5000 US in my account (total) by July 22nd. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed at this number, but God is so good. And he has been teaching me trust. A calming thought is this: God is not shocked. He is not overwhelmed. He knows exactly what to do and what not too.
Which leads me into this uncomfortable question: Have you felt the call?
Is there something God is asking you to do? To give? Time, ideas, encouragement, financially?
I ask, with humble heart, that you might prayerfully consider how God is asking you to help today.
Some Things to Look Forward Too!
Garage Sale – May 21st, Corner of Leinster and Devonshire, 8am
This process has been absolutely fantastic. Thank you to everyone who has donated towards this and is planning to in the future! Already we have some small appliances, a canoe, books, decorations, toys, clothes and more! If you have anything you would like to donate, do not be afraid to get ahold of me! I am even willing to pick up if that is needed! We are also in the process of having a draw (or silent auction) for some gift baskets, some candy for the kids, balloons and other cool things at this event so come check us out! Hope to see you there!
T-Shirts!
I am currently in the process of designing T-shirts to sell! I’ll be posting more details about this as I know more!
Boston Pizza Fundraiser
Boston Pizza is pretty awesome. They hold many fundraising ideas for people like me. One of the choices they offer is a “Buffet Night”. Tickets are $20 each, $10 going to the company and the other $10 going to towards my trip! They close off the bar area of the restaurant so that we can eat there. And the best part is: it’s all you can eat! They provide pizza, pasta and caesar salad! I will provide more information as we work out the details for this.
So How Am I?
Physically: There is a physical test as apart of Training Camp (August 10-20th). Each racer must be able to hike 3 miles (4.8KM) in 50 minutes with all packed gear. After testing myself, I know that I am very capable of this (gearless). My next step is to buy my gear and test while wearing it! So if you see a strange girl out walking, carrying two backpacks, honk in support! I will need it! 
Another step I am taking physically is getting my vaccinations. I have many shots to look forward too! Pray for me? 
Emotionally/Spiritually: Overwhelmed, Cautious and Humbled.
Overwhelmed. By the support specifically by my old and new church family. Special thanks to Oxford Baptist for their willingness to go above and beyond for a new comer like me! Some of you I have never met before! And my old church family for your support. I miss you all very much.
Cautious. The Bible is holding true; when stepping out in faith and seeking to do good, opposition pops up all over the place. Especially from the evil one. Old fears popping up, old habits rearing their ugly head. The Lord has been teaching me discernment and that we need to put on the full armour of God. His truth sets me free from every lie that I might otherwise believe.
Humbled. I am realizing how much I have compromised in the past couple years. Holiness has been placed on the back burner. Busyness has replaced it. Standing up for what I believe in has been replaced by the want to be everyone’s friend. And I am ashamed to even mention this one; I have stopped listening to the voice of my closest friend, my rock and replaced it with the bitter voice of the world. And I am ashamed. But God was not shocked that this happened. He is calling me back to his son. And he is using this for good; to show how much he loves me, not based on my performance but because he is love. And I am humbled.
How Can You Pray for Me?
Courage: for myself, that I might boldly and wisely say in my heart each day..
Joshua 24:15c
“…as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
And live it out. Colossians 3:12-17
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts,kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Protection: for myself and my squad as we prepare for this journey. (Physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually)
Wisdom: to know when situations come up, which is the right way and to walk in it.
I want to thank you again for all your prayers, support and love.
Please, let me know of any questions you might have or ideas!
I would love to hear from you!
Take care.
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift his countenance upon you and give you peace.”
Numbers 2:24-26
