Hi friends.
I’ve been meaning to sit down and write this post for several days now, but I haven’t been able to formulate the words to communicate just what I want to say. I’m not sure I’ve really reached the point where I can adequately formulate those words, but you know what? I’m doing it anyway. It’s now or never.
Since my last blog post about becoming Doubting Thomas reincarnate, a few things have happened.
First, I have overcome my first fundraising milestone! That is to say, I have officially reached over the 10% mile marker, and am currently resting at a nice 13.44% funded.
I don’t know why this seems like such a massive accomplishment, but it really has been such an encouragement to me this week! I remember when I first started this process, I had that $150 deposit just sitting there in my fundraising account and thinking, “It’s never gonna get any higher than that.” My tendency towards optimism is never worthy of accolade, in case you were wondering.
Thank you to everyone who has partnered with me so far, your generosity has kept me going these past few weeks- it’s such a small, incandescent joy to check my email, and almost every single day, receive a notification that someone else has given to this cause and joined with me! It’s a small joy, but it’s a deep joy- a strengthening sort of joy. It’s a reminder to continue walking in faith, praising God for the good work of His hands.
Another thing that has happened since my last post is that I was able to speak at my church this past Sunday morning about my Race and to share my fears and hesitations with my church family, and really be casual and transparent about what life is going to look like on the Race. This is what I was having troubles finding the words for, because I still can’t really express to you the way this touched my life and my heart on Sunday morning.
First of all, Jesus was my hero that morning. He completely took away any and all nervousness about going up in front of everyone and sharing my story. I’ve never shied away from public speaking, having been one of *those* drama kids in high school, but just because public speaking isn’t my biggest fear doesn’t mean I don’t typically get the same shakiness or accelerated heart rates as everyone else does when they have to give a presentation. On Sunday morning though, there was none of that; I felt absolutely no adrenaline, just this beautifully overwhelming peace, and happiness. I was so excited to get up there!
My pastor, Jeff Patterson, grabbed a couple of stools for us to sit on, and we just sat and talked and he gave me ample time to share what was on my heart, and then asked me some really good questions about fears and expectations, and opened up the room for interaction and questions from the congregation, which was really fun! I had 18 support letters printed off *just in case* someone might want one, and all but one remaining letter were handed out. Hands just shot up as soon as I asked if anyone wanted a support letter- this was such a blessing! I can’t even explain how good that felt! I just felt so loved on Sunday morning, so loved and surrounded and supported by such a beautiful body of believers.
After my time to share was over, Jeff invited everyone up to surround me in prayer and they laid hands on me and prayed over me in such a powerful, unforgettable manner, I completely lost all control of myself and spent a good 15 minutes just bawling and snotting and sniffling because sometimes, it’s okay to be a massively emotional wreck at church. Especially when your church family is praying over your life and over a missions trip that a year ago, you never would have dreamed possible for your life. God is GOOD. “He’s JEALOUS for me…. If grace is an ocean, we’re all SINKING.” (John Mark McMillan, emphasis added by yours truly.)
I am so proud and excited to share with you guys that ever since Sunday morning, all my doubts and fears have been eradicated, and there has been nothing but pure, sincere joy and excitement for my Race- and this I know can only be a gift from God, and a genuine answer to all of those prayers that went up on Sunday morning.
THIS IS REAL AND IT’S HAPPENING AND IT’S EXCITING SO LET’S GET EXCITED, PEOPLE!
(I realize I’m probably the last one needing to be told to “get excited,” but just humor me, mmkay?)
Stay tuned for an update soon which will be all about the gear that I need to start gathering up to get ready for training camp, which is happening August 10th-20th.
Only $2,720 left to raise until I reach my first goal of $5,000, due by July 22nd.
Let’s do this, friends.
In Christ,
Hannah
