Money has never been a luxury to me. I have always had to work and rely on God heavily with money. He always provides and makes a way, but sometimes I don’t always have the strongest faith in the moment…
When I first looked into the race I was sure that it would end up just being a dream and not a reality because of the $14,951 needed plus around $2,000 for my deposit, gear, and plane tickets to and from launch and training camp. But sure enough we have a God that is *SO* much bigger than $17,000, and money is nothing to Him.
Over the last 14 months, since starting my application and fundraising to begin the race, I have done EVERYTHING under the sun for fundraising; support letters (3 times), t-shirts (twice), garage sales, bracelets, blogs, videos, personally reaching out to supporters, LOTS of social media posts, but mostly prayer.
And now, 14 months since putting in my deposit and application and the start of this crazy adventure, I am
FULLY FUNDED!!!!!!!!
trust me, I have dreamt about the day I would be able to say those words and post this blog. But here I am, and I am honestly at a loss for words- so bear with me as I try and express my thanks to you all.
I want you all to know that NO words could ever describe how thankful + grateful I am. Each of you that donated; whether $1 or $1,000 you all helped me get to the amount I needed- THANK YOU!!!!
For all of you that prayed for me once, or daily; you all made a big difference- THANK YOU!!!!
For those of you that read my blogs and my social media posts and/or shared them with your friends and family; you guys are the reason the word got out and so many knew about what we are doing- THANK YOU!!!!
And for those of you that have believed in me, supported me, loved me, and had faith in me and mostly God; you all have been my rocks- THANK YOU!!!!
Each of you will forever have a special place in my heart. This trip has changed me and molded me into a women I love and hope to step into more. I have been able to know God more deeply and his creation; from rice fields & my students in Cambodia, the city of Bangkok, the mountains of Honduras, to the volcanos of Guatemala and whatever Ethiopia will bring. I have been able to know what loving without conditions looks like and giving when you have nothing to give, but finding a way anyway. The fruits of hard work and dedication, doing mundane tasks and doing them with love in my heart and a smile on my face, and truly taking advantage of this life I get to live. I have learned all these things, and so much more and more to come in the next 4 months because you all believing and supporting me through what the Lord has been calling me to.
So, as month 5 of 9 comes to an end and being freaking fully funded; I want you all to know none of this would have been possible if it weren’t for you all taking a step of faith and supporting me through this.
Thank you to my family that pushed hard and stood by me even when they thought I was crazy (talking about you dad, when I first told you ;), my friends who got the word out even when they weren’t super thrilled that I was leaving for 9 months, strangers who don’t know me personally and supported me anyway, Jeanne for showing me the race in the first place and being the first to believe and support me, and lastly Jesus-for always providing and thinking of me worthy enough to be His vessel and making a way for that to happen.
You are all A M A Z I N G !!!!!!!!
I love that I have been able to share this with each of you!!!
Much love
