This season of my life has brought about one common question that no longer pertains to my health or my well-being. The question “So how's it going?” now relates to my fundraising. To most people my fundraising goals ($15,500 for the trip alone, $773 for insurance, $1,100 miscellaneous money for things along the way, not to mention the plane tickets to and from the launching points in and out of the USA) seem to be unattainable.
Believe me, years ago I had the exact same feelings. I couldn't see past the numbers and therefore I never gave The World Race a second thought. It's funny how perfect God's timing is and how easily He can change my assumptions and bring new life to visions such as these.
I heard about “The Race” years ago when I worked in a local coffee shop. One of my coworkers applied, got accepted, went on the mission trip and later became a Squad Leader. Her life looked so great, she helped so many people and I remember thinking how cool and adventurous her future looked and how much I wanted to be used by God in that same way—but the financial obstacle was so great, I didn't believe I could ever raise all that was needed.
In order for me to begin envisioning this trip as a possibility for me too, I needed to mend my post-college broken heart and broken life. I had to put myself back together, both mentally and emotionally—guided by the Lord’s love and His outline for a godly life.
This wasn't even my idea to begin with. I simply was led back into what I knew best—the church. I renewed my old friendships, returned to my old church, my old mentor and found God in all of them. He took me from a state of uncertainty to a reassurance that His plan for me was good, true, adventurous and fulfilling. This gave me purpose.
It wasn't until that “purpose” He brought me to began to fade a bit, that my vision of The World Race returned. I knocked and listened; He answered and invited me in. At that point it became clear to me that if this truly was something God wanted me to do, He would make it happen. I realized that this difficult task of raising money was merely The Lord showing me, once again, through supporter after supporter that yes, I did indeed hear him correctly and yes, He does want this for me. I believe He will use me—my insufficient and broken past in a unique way—for His good. Each person that offers support (whether it be through cash or prayer) is one more boost of confidence and confirmation that I am following the exciting journey The Lord has placed before me.
SO to answer the question “How's it going?” I'd have to say exceedingly well! I have raised and received 50% of the funding needed and I do not have a shadow of doubt that I will receive the rest before I leave in July.
Along with the fundraising process I have been preparing myself through a daily “date with God” which includes reading scripture along with an additional study incorporating various blog posts and books (“Love Does” by Bob Goff and a list of books to be read such as “Forgotten God” by Francis Chan and “A Million Miles in a Thousand Years” by Donald Miller).
I've also been asked to give my testimony to the staff (my co-workers) at Rocky Mountain Christian Church (roughly 35 people, with 35 opinions, which equals 70 eyeballs, accelerating my nerves 140 times—through the roof). This life-experience will wrench me out of my introverted mentality when it comes to “sharing” at large group meetings. I have never given my testimony to more than 3 people at one time and I am not one bit excited to do so now.
But in spite of my reluctance, I realize that this next season of my life will demand a lot of transparency, so I've taken this occasion as a divine opportunity to practice (although I'd much rather jump out of a plane, go bungee jumping, hike a 14’er, or go off a 30-foot snowboard jump—any day)! God is about to change me, and this is the starting point.
I thank you ALL for your support.
