I believe that it is time for some exciting updates and news.
Fundraising News:
1. After worrying and trying to trust God with fundraising, some dear friends gave me their first donation which was a huge blessing. To get a donation from people that love me and know my heart for missions and the knowledge that they were supporting me in that way was so special. One of the things that I told that after I teared up was that it wasn’t even the fact that they donated to help me go on the World Race, it was that they were helping me follow what God has put on my heart: Missions. Thank you, and you know who you guys are. 😉
2. In talking to these dear people, they gave me the idea of a fundraising thermometer seen here.
3. With the help of Pinterest, I found the idea of Adopting-A-Number and so far three people have and have helped me raise $224. If you are interested in helping, let me know. You can donate on this page. If every number is adopted, I will be able to reach my first goal of $5,000 by September.
4. I just sent out about 50 fundraising letters today! If anyone wants one and hasn’t gotten one in about 3 days, message me for your address so I can send you one.
Little Blessings:
1. As I mentioned, the family that donated was a huge blessing. During that same time though I was in a friend’s wedding where I got to meet the bride’s wonderful uncle who was just so excited for me and also really encouraged me. It was definitely another big blessing. As I shared with him about the family who donated and just my general excitement, he gave me a a tid-bit of advice: To keep my excitement. And that, that I will. As I have said before, for me this is JUST an experience. This is an opportunity for me to pursue serving God’s people whole heartedly around the world.
2. The other blessing is one that most definitely shows God’s humor and care. I mean, let’s be honest. I’m very overwhelmed right now. There are so many details for the World Race in preparation and I pretty much have been home for three days because in the past three weeks I’ve graduated college, went on a road trip with my uncle, was in a wedding, co-directed a young adult retreat with my dad for our fifth year, was home for a day and then started working for my dad in Construction. Did I mention there are a lot of details to the World Race in planning and preparation? So I’ve been stressing and so I went on a walk yesterday when the sun was setting by a field near my home. It is my favorite spot to walk and pray. So I went on a little walk, prayed to God asking for His help, and then by this field a hear a rustling. I look down and I see a Momma Skunk and her two babies! First of all, how cool and sweet! Second of all, of all the things for God to show me…seriously God, you have great humor!
3. Another blessing is on my road trip with my uncle I got to check out an REI and look into gear and then at the young adult retreat my friend Bambers looked at gear with me and confirmed what I was looking for was good. So two days ago, I got the first couple big things of gear!
So. There are a bunch of details and the neat little things God’s doing right now. Thanks for reading! And don’t forget to 1. Please pray for me (and if you want a specific list, I can give that to you), 2. If you want to donate, you can donate here or ask me for a letter, 3. Hit subscribe so you are notified when I post on this blog, and 4. God is a powerful God and He loves you. <3
~Hannah
