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I am fully funded!! Wow! Crazy to finally get to say those words. Right now I’m overflowing with gratitude and thanks for how He walked me through this whole wild journey of fundraising for the race. 

When I first realized I was going to have to fundraise to go on the race I immediately felt a little weird. I was just really uncomfortable with the idea of asking people for money. As I fought against this idea of fundraising and the weird emotions it brought up in me, I began to realize that so much of my hesitancy with it was rooted in pride. I didn’t want to ask people to support me because I didn’t want to feel in debt to anyone or like I owed them something or feel incapable of doing it on my own. It was so much more comfortable to think that I could somehow make the money on my own and then have so much more freedom (in my mind) in the process. 

At the start, fundraising was a way He used to break me of my pride. I sent out support letters and let people know I was fundraising and each time it basically killed me a little inside, but slowly I began to recognize the beauty in it. As people began to respond with mind blowing generosity to my needs, I was overwhelmed by a new love and appreciation for my community. I also started to learn how important giving is and how when I don’t step out in obedience with fundraising I’m actually taking away an opportunity for people to be obedient to Him in generosity. Also what a cool way to let people be part of this journey with me! And what a tangible expression of physical support from the people I love. 

After launching on the race I still had to continue fundraising to get to my final goal. The final deadline actually ended up being in Ethiopia which seemed fine at first but then when I realized I wouldn’t have WiFi or service it got a lot more scary. As the deadline started getting closer the stress really started coming. How could I fundraise without WiFi? I was seriously a little bit nervous. But this actually ended up being the coolest situation because fundraising was completely out of my hands and entirely in His. There was literally NOTHING I could do to get the money in my own striving or strength. These days in Ethiopia leading up to the deadline turned into a process of surrender and learning to truly trust Him fully to be my provider. And wow! He didn’t let me down. He’s shown Himself trustworthy over and over again, and given to me in abundance and overflow that I never dreamed. 

I’ve been amazed and brought to tears many many times by the sweet generosity and kindness and support I’ve received over this past almost year of fundraising for the race. It’s been stressful at times and revealed to me so many places of pride and areas where I truly lacked trust in Him. I’ve really learned that He is trustworthy and I probably will fail when I try to do it on my own. I’ve also learned how impactful a simple act of generosity can be, and a depth of love and gratitude for my community that I’ve never known before. 

Right now I’m sitting on a bus heading to a month of ministry in Nicaragua. I’ve spent six months living in Cambodia and Ethiopia. I’ve lived in cities and mountain villages and rice paddies, and I’ve gotten to love all kinds of people. I’ve grown in my relationship with Jesus in ways that I could’ve never dreamed or expected. I’ve got three months more here in Central America. I’m in awe thinking of the journey and the process He brought me through to be in this moment right now. It’s been years in the making, but it wouldn’t have been possible without my wonderful and amazing community at home who I trust to have my back and love to the ends of the earth. 

To everyone who’s supported me and given me the opportunity to be here on the race: thank you really isn’t enough to describe the gratitude i have for you! Your generosity and obedience has impacted me for life and just the simple fact of knowing you’re supporting me and rooting for me has made the hardest parts of these months brighter. Thank you for being part of this process with me. Can’t wait to see all of you in a few short months and be able to share in person what these days have held. Can’t believe He blessed me so massively with each of you. 

This long, wild adventure of fundraising is really over (praise God)! He really is good and provides in the most unexpected way! Super thankful to be fully funded people!!