“Then the king said to me, “What are you requesting?” So I prayed to the God of heaven.” Nehemiah 2:4
Guys. A sister is fully funded! SAY WHAT, SAY WHAT. I actually cannot believe it. I asked the Lord to get me fully funded before launch, that way while I am on the field, I am able to be present and focused… and would you look at what He did? He even did it BEFORE September. All He asked of me is to have faith, and He’ll do what He promised. TRULY BEAUTIFUL. We serve such a glorious God. The times I was feeling discouraged and my faith was little, I had a whole community rooting for me, and having faith of God’s provision. And for that, I am so stinking thankful, grateful, appreciative, all the words! I have felt so loved, supported, and cared for throughout this journey. This whole process has brought whole new meanings over those simple words, and has made me certainly believe it about myself! Hallelujah.
Let’s reflect!
The start of my fundraising journey was an easy one. I was feeling GOOD. I had gotten a $1000 donation right off the bat (shoutout to Crescent Park Church of Christ in Littlefield!), it was still fresh in everyone’s minds, and the support was flowing in. Seriously, I had $10,000 within a few months. Like, I was feeling on top of the world. And feeling so rooted for.
Then, it became harder. Which makes sense. It became less new, the hype died down, I was struggling with figuring out what to do next/what to sell, people had already donated. I went through a season of major stress, relying on my OWN SELF (hello, spoiler alert, NOT the move!) to get fully funded. The Lord was really teaching me about surrendering during that season, and showing me what depending on Him, rather than myself, actually looked like. It took me a minute to figure out what He was teaching me, and then actually put it into motion. BUT, once I did, I began raising a lot of support again. I started thinking of creative ideas for fundraisers, I started getting monthly donors, and I even got, yet another, $1000 donation (shoutout to Kevin and Bridgette Thompson!)
Basically, the Lord did so much through this season of fundraising. All beautiful. My perspective started changing, I learned what reliance on Him looked like, I learned what consistency AND persistency really looked like, I saw how loved I am by the way others were (and still are) uplifting me and supporting me, I saw how big my dad is rooting for me and always is encouraging me to follow my passions, and MORE. Seriously, you guys, I have no words to describe accurately how I am feelings besides blown away. Blown away by the generosity of my community I can hardly believe I get to be apart of.
Firstly, I want to say thank you to EVERY. SINGLE. PERSON that donated to help get me where I am today, whether it be from buying a t-shirt, giving up your Starbucks drink for me, buying a candle, telling others about what I am doing, etc!!! Thank you for your heart, and the way you so willingly give, expecting nothing in return. You are a beautiful soul, that I will cherish forever.
Secondly, I would like to give a few shoutouts to some people!!! (If I don’t mention you, please know that does not mean you are any less valued! You are loved, and so wonderfully amazing! Truly wish I could shout everyone out, but $16,600 worth of shoutouts would actually be a short novel, lol!) Soooo, to all you sweet individuals:
To the Thompson’s and Crescent Park COC, who both gave me $1000 each. In absolute awe of that kind of giving, and from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU.
To Meagan and Lauren, who each gave monthly to me. Neither of you had to, but you so kindly did, and made me feel cherished! To the fullest. You both are so wonderful, and so dear to my heart.
To Mr. Morgan and his wife, who gave monthly to me. Always made my heart so happy, seeing you guys support me in the way you did. Such kind souls! Thank you.
To Shelly, who first gave me $200 and bought my sweatshirts before we even met. Then has continued donating, and loving me, throughout this whole time. Shelly, you have gave more than I am deserving of, and I genuinely thank Jesus for you every day. And, a big hug to you from me, for loving my mom the way you do.
To my dad, the man who has gone above and beyond for me! He bought me all of my gear for the Race, helped me with all of my fundraisers, and is helping in getting me the things I need overseas next year. This doesn’t do you justice, my dude, but know how much I love you, and treasure you! (P.S. I am trying to get this man to come see me for Parent’s Vision Trip in Ecuador in February, and it’ll cost him $750! It’s a time for parent’s to come partake in ministry, and see what my every day life is like, plus just get to see me. I would so love to have him there, if any of you feel led in helping.<3)
To my Grandma Faith and Grandpa Vance, who bought me my 65L backpack that I will be living out of this year, and it was not cheap. I thank you both so so much. I love you forever!
To those I didn’t mention,
To those who gave to me even though it was your last $5,
To those I haven’t met but donated anyways,
To those who came to my fundraisers,
To those that can’t serve but enable me (and others) to,
To those who told others about me, and shared on social media,
TO THOSE WHO LOVE ME,
thank you, and thank you, AND thank you.<3
I seriously could go on for days, and I know I didn’t do any one of my donors justice, but know how valued ALL of you are. I can’t wait to see what these next 9 months hold, and all the Lord will do, and I am so stoked all of you guys get to be right alongside me the whole way!
