John 10:27-28 ESV “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
A few of you know that I decided to change my World Race Route a couple weeks ago. I will still be leaving in September (6weeks!!!), but instead of going on an all Asian route, I am now going to Europe, Africa, and Asia. I will be going to Serbia, Albania, Macedonia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Phillipines, Cambodia, and Vietnam!
God was the reason for this route change. I was feeling unsettled with my all Asian route and felt prompted to re-look at the September routes. When I was going through them, my spirit jumped when I came across route four (my new route). I felt an indescribable feeling in my chest/heart. I knew that the Holy Spirit wanted me to change to this route.
In obedience, I listened. It was hard to leave the relationships and connections I had already made with my all Asian route. Especially after six months of thinking they were going to be my family for the 11months I will be gone. BUT trusting that God knew what He was doing, I requested the route change.
When my route change was accepted, I felt this peace and happiness come over me. Even though I was nervous to make all new connections – I was excited. It was two weeks before training camp, and I knew no one on my route. I am thankful The Lord prompted me in this way before training camp though!
Speaking of training camp.… Wow.
I never knew I could grow this much spiritually in ten days! I understand now more an ever when scripture says:
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17
Being surrounded by so many young adults SO on fire for God, and passionate about serving – was incredible. Everything about the week encouraged spiritual growth.
The relationships I made this week are beautiful. I am so excited for my new team, and my squad! I feel like I fit with them. I love them all already! I know that The Lord is going to use this trip, and these people, to grow me spiritually more than I could have imagined.
The camp itself was… Uncomfortable, to say the least. They pushed me emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Although, growth comes when you are uncomfortable. These past ten days I have opened up and been more vulnerable than I think I have ever been – with anyone. And, with people that were practically strangers!
Being vulnerable for me, has always been a weakness in my mind. I have wanted to be the strong one in my family, but what I have realized this week is that there is beauty in my weakness. The Lord finds strength in weakness – and in it He can be glorified. It isn’t about me being strong, it is about me depending on His strength.
2 Corinthians 12:9 “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
Yet, vulnerability isn’t a weakness! If you feel like it is, I really want you to hear this. Yes it makes you feel weak, and yes it makes you uncomfortable. But, there is just something so beautiful with knowing that you can’t do it on your own, and having God there to lift up your chin and say “my beautiful daughter, I’ve got this, trust me”. He is our loving father! He wants to pick us up when we fall down. Plus, being vulnerable with people and God, creates an intimacy that is unmatched.
The people on my new route are so amazing though. I know that God placed me with them for a reason! The 11months I am gone, I know they will push me to grow spiritually. They will push me to be the best me I can be. We will serve together, sweat together, and love together.
Speaking of sweat – oh Georgia…. I have never experienced the kind of heat I experienced changing in my tent on a Georgian afternoon! My lanta! I got over my insecurity of sweating, day two. That is just what you do in Georgia. You sweat together, and you smell together, and it is okay! Those bucket showers have never felt so good, but running water cleans in a different way than just a bucket of cold water.
On the note of overcoming… There is even a list of things The Lord is growing me in that aren’t spiritual. For instance… Being clean, and your stuff being clean. As hard as you try, when it rains that red Georgia clay is going to make your nice, beautiful, new tent look like you’ve used it for a year. And you just have to let go. Let go of thinking you can control the amount of bugs that bite you, or get into your tent. Let go of thinking that you have control over your schedule. Just let go, and let God. There are so many bigger more important things! Even though all my beautiful gear is now stained red, I just have to be thankful I have it.
I am also SO thankful for those of you who have been praying for me, and who have supported me financially. I have felt the power of prayer this week – and on that note I would really like to get a group of 6-10people together who will commit to fervently praying for me. This would be up until my launch, and while I am gone! I am looking for a group of people who I can email with specific prayer requests while I am gone. Please let me know if you feel called to serve in this way!
Also, a financial update. I am currently at $4553, and I need an ADDITIONAL $5457 before August 21st. The checks take longer to process, so they need to be sent in two weeks prior to that date. And online donations need to be in by the 18th of August for them to count towards this $10,000 deadline.
If you feel led, please pray about supporting me financially. If that is a one time donation, an additional donation, or a monthly contribution I appreciate it all so greatly. I know, especially after this week, that this is what The Lord has for my life right now. I know that He is going to use me to impact people, and make that small step towards changing the world.
If you don’t feel called to become a prayer partner with me, or to support me financially but you still want to help – please contact me. With only having 6weeks left, I have a lot of fundraising I need to do! I need to plan a brunch at Platte Canyone Community Church in Bailey, a banquet at LifePointe in Fort Collins – so if you have the gift of planning I would appreciate help in those areas!
Also, I have a lot of Threads of Hope bracelets that I need to sell. If you have ideas on where I can sell those, or if you would like to buy some (pictures and more information on the Threads of Hope blog) or help sell them, I would love your help in this way! I also would love help in making soap, and selling that!
A couple of you have also offered services like hair cutting, or photography for a fundraiser. I would absolutely love having that come into fruition – but again help planning that would be extremely helpful!
Satan has really used the events that have happened to my family in the last three months to distract me and paralyze my fundraising efforts – but since Satan is attacking me I KNOW that this is going to be such a powerful and impactful experience. I rebuke him and his efforts to hinder me and my family, and I WILL be going on the world race! God is all powerful, and I know He will provide.
Thank you all so much for reading this update. I pray blessings and peace and all of you.
