Hello all. It’s been a minute. I’m still here, still trucking along. I’ve had a million things going on and am trying to figure out how to juggle all of them and still be productive. The 3 main areas I have to work on before the Race are getting: spiritually ready, financially ready, and physically ready. In January I went full force into fundraising and was successful but at the end of the month I was worn out. I thought there’s no way I can continue at this pace until October. Something’s got to give. My relationship with the Lord was lacking and exercising was minimal. February came and I focused more on my relationship with Him. I did some fundraising but didn’t push it as much and over $5,500 was raised! The more I focused on Him and less fundraising I did, more money came in. What a concept, yet the stress still comes. The stress isn’t anywhere close to what it was but it’s still there in the back of my mind. Things to work on spiritually-trust and patience.
I’ve met 32.14% of my goal with 6 months left before I leave so I’m on a fairly good track. I’ve gotten the most important vaccines for the trip ($671). A couple of weeks ago I got my pack. When I say pack, I don’t mean just any old backpack. I’m talking about something rather large that you have to go get fitted for because your going to be carrying your life in it for the next 11 months kind of pack. I also got my sleeping bag, sleeping pad (think 1 inch thick air mattress= my bed), sleeping bag liner (to keep the yuck out), some heavy duty hiking type sandals, and a few other things. The cost for this was over $900 plus a drive to Georgia. The trip itself was super fun though. Thanks for coming Leynie and Mikalie!!
I’ve also made a living will and designated my parents as my power of attorney while I’m gone. For the record, yes it’s weird making a will at 30 but here I am. Do I think I’m going to die?- No lol. However, I can’t say what will and won’t happen and Adventures in Missions recommends everyone that goes on this mission have their ducks in a row before they leave. I still have to get my parents added to all my personal accounts so things will be taken care of while I’m gone. I have to renew my driver’s license before I leave even though it’s not expired yet but it will while I’m gone. I have to get 11 pages and 11 pictures for my passport. I have to save enough to continue paying my car payment and life insurance while I’m gone. No I can’t sell my car, already looked into it lol. No I’m not dropping the life insurance because if I’ve ever needed life insurance…it’s now. Ha!
Talking about getting spiritually ready- I of course am doing things on my own with Lord but I’m also in bible based counseling. I feel like the Lord has had me in a season of pruning for sure. Through Him speaking to me and using my counselor Dr. Denita Atwood, He is showing me things about myself that I didn’t realize were there, good and bad. There have been times where I feel like I’m on an emotional roller coaster but growth has definitely come from it.
As far as exercising goes, I’m going to have to step it up. I’ve been walking with friends some but haven’t been consistent with it. We started off with a mile and have worked up to 3 but the big thing for me is consistency. My doctor wants me on a low carb diet but I know from past experience that the second I come off of a low carb diet I gain all the weight back and then some. When I’m gone, a huge part of my diet will consist of rice and beans. In other words carbs and carbs. So finding the balance with that now and trying to get in better shape in the process?? Mehhh. I’m not sure what to do at this point. Suggestions?…anyone lol?
I guess I’m just putting this out there to let you guys know where I am but also to pray for me. I know I need to get better at balancing those 3 things to get ready for the Race but it’s difficult to be honest. I need some sort of schedule, game plan, or something to keep me on track but I don’t know where to start on how to make it. I know it will will work out, just need some perspective I guess.
With all that being said. I need you guys to donate. I hate asking for money. It’s one of the most uncomfortable things for me in this whole process but the reality is that I can’t do this without your help. Don’t look at it as giving to me directly though. You’re sending someone to preach the Gospel in really broken down areas. These people need help. They need Jesus. I know there are some of you that would go if you could but for various reasons you can’t. That’s ok, send me. I know I’m not perfect and don’t have it all together. I’m just a girl who after running from it for a long time is saying yes, I’ll go. I’m asking you to help me get there.
