It has been awhile…Procrastinating writing is my specialty, but no excuses. I want you to know what's up!
It's felt like a whirl wind of 'to do' lists, driving here, there and everywhere but God has been good (even when my mind is in the clouds, or sometimes chasing it's self…). Within the last two weeks I have been working on making check marks happen. Between doctor's appointments for medical clearance (praise the Lord-piece of cake!), travel insurance, fundraising and figuring out the in's and outs of the backpacking/camping world -I'd say my World Race journey is on the move.
I would confidently say I like the outdoors. I would even say that camping is a favourite past time, but would I say that what I've done and what I am going to do is on the same page? I wouldn't even say they are in the same book, shelf or library -take your pick. Does this intimidate me? No. Does making sure I have all the right equipment? Yes.
Shopping is also a favourite past time for me. So when I first read the packing list, I thought no problem. But clearly I had no idea how many different backpack, tents, sleeping pads, headlamps…(I could keep going…) there are. For those of you who are like myself and have not ever needed to purchase such items, it's intimidating walking in a store to buy a backpack and realize your facing four isles and a 15 foot wall of them. Usually I let my inner savvy thriftiness guide me in purchases, but in this case you want to make sure purchases will handle not only 11 months but the elements that come with those 11 months. The ever so kind employee fits me up with a backpack. Feels pretty good. Then he suggests we add some weight to it… so my gym and workout slacking… about that…
Only 20lbs of weight = ouch. Let's just hope I can learn to pack light.
In fact, God told His disciples to take only the clothes on their backs to share His word and love.
Luke 9:2-3 – and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He told them: "Take nothing for the journey–no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic."
Alright, alright, so what am I freaking out about? No matter the backpack, tent, sleeping bag or brand of shoes, God's got this. In a year from now I will look back and think how did I let that take up so much head space??!? Now your prayers for me to keep remembering that, concider it appreciated. There are bigger fish to fry and a bigger purpose.
On the fundraising front, I've met my first deadline of $3500-hallelujah! The generosity of friends, family and strangers is truly outstanding. I am continually praising and thanking God for this part of the journey as trust and patients in this department can be trying at times. This past weekend a friend of mine rounded up her church family and friends for a yard sale. Even though we hung out in the rain for a good hour or two (just a little Word Race training in progress…), it cleared and what was successful in the past proved to be again. Thank-you Miss Nikki and Word of Life Church Simcoe!
To wrap things up, my devotional said it best "And my God will supply every need of yours…" Philippians 4:19
Amen & hooray 🙂
