How many excuses did and can I make?
How many times did I say I can’t or I won’t?
How many times did I want to say no?
These are the questions that I have posed to myself from the time I decided to go. I can make the barriers, but God will break them down. My barriers to go on this trip were great.
My first thought and main barrier was my need to provide for myself. Well God provided for me a year before without my even knowing that He would. Last year most teachers in Wyoming got about a $7000 raise in salary. This equates to about $500 more a month. This summer I will make enough from my teaching salary to provide for my loans and personal expenses.
The second barrier was my lovely 2005 Chevrolet Colorado. God provided me this pick-up the previous year when my car had died. The vehicle had 4-wheel drive, X-M radio and was exactly what I needed in Wyoming. I want to point out that this was the first vehicle that I bought on my own. It was very hard for me to get rid of it. I knew that if I went on the World Race, I couldn’t afford the huge payment. Even before I made a commitment to go, someone offered to buy it. Even thought the couple ended up not buying the vehicle in the end, I was able to sell it anyway and pay off my loan.
My last barrier was friends. I wanted to stay and live in western South Dakota. I have always felt drawn to this place. A Christian group called OASIS is located in Rapid City. I have been able to attend an activity every two to three months in the past two years. I felt so welcomed whenever I went to any group gatherings. I know that they will still be there when I come home and going on a trip should not depend of friends.
All of my barriers are gone. I still have to raise all of my support, but I know God will provide for me in that area. God has shown that He is a merciful and a loving God. He will break down our barriers and provide for us in all circumstances.
