Hey all!
Just wanted quickly update you on where I am at.
Blessings – A huge shoutout to my boss who is willing to match up to $500 of what my beautiful co-workers donate with their tips! Thank you to all the people that have donated! I appreciate every single one of you!
I’ve also had multiple opportunities to give people more information about my trip, which is great practice for the future; while in each country, I’ll be speaking in front of large crowd’s (giving my testimony and preaching). So that has been a double blessing!
Packing – I have purchased my daypack and am super excited to start purchasing the items to fill it! Most stores don’t have camping gear right now, so I’m playing the waiting game. The next items I’ll be looking for are my tent and my sleeping pad.
Planning – I am in the process of planning a (hopefully) massive charity garage sale for the end of May/first of June. If you have anything you would like to get rid of, let me know! I am willing to come and pick up whatever you would like to donate!
Also on the back burner, I am working through planning a raffle (possibly online?). One of my co-workers is graciously giving me some Steeped Tea and Epicure products, so you might be seeing something involving them soon!
(Honestly, I am finding the process of fundraising a bit overwhelming. It is such a faith step. God has already shown up in random ways. But I finding myself zigzagging between fearlessness and complete despair over the deadlines ahead. Pray for me?)
Personal – As hard as this is for me to admit, I am struggling. It is hard to transition from one church to the next. I am realizing how much I took for granted my previous church family. However, in this transition process, I must say I am blessed. The people of Oxford Baptist are kind and I am already beginning to make new friends there.
Physically, I am well! Earlier in this week I contracted a cold and it had a hard time leaving, but I am glad to report that it has cleared up and I am feeling 100%!
I am fighting with fear as I plan this trip. Strangely, not about safety on the World Race, but my expectations (or lack thereof) of what this race is going to be like. I’ve never gone on a trip like this before, never flown on a plane, I literally have no idea what to expect.
Verses Speaking to my Heart – Right now I am camped in 2 Chronicles 27, Psalm 62 and Matthew 6. Psalm 62 has become my prayer for this transition period.
“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
for my hope is from him.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress, I will not be shaken.
On God rests my salvation and my glory,
my mighty rock, my refuge is God.” – Psalm 62:5-7 ESV (emphasis, mine)
In this time of uncertainty, one thing is certain; God is enough. He is a place of refuge, fortress, hope, glory, and salvation. Such a good reminder for my soul.
Prayer Requests – Thanks to God for all the donations he has already given to me! Prayer that my expectations would no longer interfere with planning and fundraising. Prayer for wisdom in fundraising and that the hearts of people would be stirred up to give (in prayer, support and financially). And finally, that I would not be distracted from planning and moving forward with this trip.
I’ll be releasing more information and updates very soon! Thank you so much for your support!
