I’ve been struggling to write a blog for some time now–knowing that I need to, but never finding the right words to do so. Sadly, I have found comfort in the delete button and have erased everything I put to page. I probably could have published a book with the amount of blogs I have attempted and failed to post, but who’s counting. 🙂
Here’s to a New Year and a New Blog
It’s been a busy few months since I’ve started this journey towards the World Race, and even through the circus of life, I still am able to breathe and thank God for every single thing that has taken place–the good, the bad, and (hey, you were thinking it) the ugly–because what’s the point of life if we don’t praise Him in any and every circumstance; for He is good, always! In just the past year, I have experienced things that I never have in the short 21 years of my life; and as a result I have felt my heart swell with beauty and pain, passion and joy, love and hope.
Thanks, 2014..
Some things have surprised me as if I had walked into an empty room and out jump a handful of people yelling, “SURPRISE!!” With eyes wide, mouth open, hands on cheeks—I didn’t see it coming.
She has been my favorite surprise. My niece, Kenley Noel—Born December 23, 2014
The World Race has been one of those surprises as well—a good one, I might add—that has left me excited for the future. It still seems strange to me that in 7 months I’ll be leaving for 11 months to 11 countries. I’m not really sure how I even got to this point, and now I’m $4,000 in, so there’s no backing out!
It’s still is a relatively new concept to me, the World Race. I was first introduced to it about 2-3 years ago when my friend told me about it. I was intrigued by the whole “going to 11 different countries in 11 months, living from a backpack, exploring the world and different cultures, and sharing the gospel with the nations.” So, naturally, I googled it, looked at the price tag, and slowly put it down. I thought, $15,500??? What? I could buy a car with that money! I could pay off my student loans! I could start my little comfortable life, living on my own, and become a teacher. The possibilities for me not to go seemed endless.
This is by best friend whose doing the race as well. We got our packs! Thanks REI!
Except, I didn’t want any of those things. I’m sure some people think I’m crazy. Going to school for 4 years, earning my Bachelors, becoming certified to teach, and then not using what I’ve worked so hard for. Only, I can and I will use what I have worked so hard to earn…just not in the USA, at least not right now. It has always been a dream of mine to teach internationally, and now I get the chance to teach others about JESUS—the greatest thing anyone could ever learn.
I still get nervous, thinking about leaving my home, family, friends, and comfort zone, but there’s nothing I’d rather be doing with my life. I am expectant of this journey and the things that the Lord will reveal to me during the time I spend away.
I have been moved by the amount of support I have received and rejoice because of it; realizing that not a cent of this money belongs to me, but to the Lord! My Church Family, my immediate family, my friends, my TSU cohort, and people I don’t even know have made this trip possible. I have officially met my first financial deadline because of you! And now I am working on reaching the second deadline! Wahoo!
Your partnership means the world to me. Thank you to everyone who has given and prayed for this journey that is beginning soon. I cannot wait to share all my experiences with you while I am on the race. I ask that, above all else, you continue to pray for my race when it comes to your mind. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to you who have prayed and/or given to my race.
**It’s never too late to make a donation
* If you would like to make a donation towards my race there are a couple of ways to do so. All donations are tax deductible.
DONATIONS:
1. Online
– on the left side of my blog, click on ‘Support Me’ and complete the information required.
OR
2. Mail
– mail your tax-deductible contribution to:
Adventures in Missions P.O. Box 742570 Atlanta, GA 30374-2570 Be sure to indicate the purpose of your gift on your check:
The World Race (Please include the world racer’s full name)
Holley Thornton
