I can hardly believe that I am almost just 6 months from launching on the race. It’s been 5 since I was accepted, and that time has flown by. A bit of an update… God has surely been working His wonders in my fundraising. My goal for the race is to raise $8,200 of the cost, and then I will earn the remaining $10,000 from my summer on the island, which will still allot for an occasional night at my beloved, Pink Pony. My advisor said that earning my share of the expenses is not a requirement, but I know I have my Dad’s hardworking blood in me. He’s always held such a respectable role in our community, working many hours, and helping almost everyone I know with their sporting good’s needs. He truly has taught me the meaning of a dollar, and that success is so much sweeter when you have earned it. With that being said, as a college student, I was struck with the reality that I am not capable of earning the full $18,200 on my own. So I have continued to send my plea to the Lord.
As of right now, I almost have $5,500. That means I only need about $2,700 to reach my goal. Last week I held a fundraiser at Jimmy’s Pub in East Lansing, my hometown. Our great family’s friends own the restaurant, and they graciously offered a percentage of their sales to my cause that night. My mom and our friend, Susan spent a great amount of time working on the decorations for the event and they turned out beautiful. After we displayed them all, the fear immediately came over my mind, of the possibility that no one would show up. After all, I only made a Facebook event to market the fundraiser. But of course, the Lord would never leave me after I had called out to him, with a pure heart and request. I was extremely humbled by the turnout. Friends, coaches, teachers, neighbors and strangers showed up for the three hours. Reflecting back, the most impactful part was getting to openly talk about God, continually for 3 hours, with many people who I had never expressed my faith with. It gave me hope and confidence that I will be able to share His mission on the race, and for the rest of my days.
It’s hard sometimes, though. It’s not easy to openly proclaim my alliance with God, while living in a cynical world. With every social media post, I can see negativity in some light from a user. It’s hard to stay-in all the time, when my identity used to be associated with every weekend party. It’s hard to save and let go of my materialistic possessions, while trying to fundraise and live more simply. There are far more difficult problems in this world than these, and I am fully aware. But with that being said, I have given myself grace to come to terms with the reality that this journey toward the Lord, isn’t all flowers and butterflies. It has come with some lonely and challenging times. But, ultimately brought about the most confidence and fulfillment that I’ve ever had. Because even on those nights where I have felt that no one was listening, I know that He was, and he’ll never leave my side.
