It’s a common Thanksgiving tradition. Go around the table and say what you’re thankful for. I tend to go with the classic response: friends and family, because let’s be real, the people in my life mean the world to me. However, with The World Race quickly approaching, I figured I could branch out a little this year! Below are just a few of the things I’m thankful for:
1. This crazy calling to go on The World Race.
Since being accepted to the race, there have been many times that I’ve questioned why God is calling me into missions..because I’m not exactly qualified. I can’t recite bible verses from memory and the idea of preaching a sermon is probably the most terrifying thing ever. But He has called me anyways, and I find comfort in the countless stories throughout the Bible of God using ordinary people to do some pretty amazing things. So this year, I am beyond thankful that He would be calling someone like me to this new (and yes, slightly crazy) adventure.
2. God’s provision
When I applied for the race, the scariest part for me wasn’t even the possible number of spiders I might/will come in contact with; it was how I would go about raising the financial support. Honestly, the idea of raising $16,285 seemed close to impossible at the time. Yet, God is faithful and throughout this process of fundraising, He has been teaching me how to trust in Him to provide. The thing is, God knows exactly how much I need to raise in order to go on the race, and so not only is He providing, but he continues to blow me away through the generosity of others. Yesterday I reached $7,500 mark, which is kinda a big deal. That number is the amount I had to have raised by mid-December in order to leave with my team in January. So it’s officially official now. I will be leaving on The World Race in January! Thank you so much to all of my wonderful supporters out there!!!
3. A new family
Back in October, I traveled to Chattanooga, TN along with 250 other racers for an unforgettable week of training camp. It was here that I finally got to meet my wonderful A-squad, and from within this squad smaller teams were formed. Team Adelphoi (pictured below) is the lovely group of people I will be serving with on the race. Adelphoi, meaning brother and sisters in Christ, could not better represent how I feel about these six individuals. Growing up as an only child, I always felt this longing for siblings. Even just one would have been fine. While I know this just wasn’t in God’s will for our family, and I am so thankful for the close relationship I have with my parents because of that, I can’t help but feel pure joy to finally have some amazing brothers and sisters!!
There are now less than 40 days until launch (Seriously can’t believe it!) I am so thankful for everyone who has been supporting me throughout this process of preparing for launch. I’ve been so blessed!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
