The kids behind me were trying to talk to me but I’d just started a conversation with a newcomer at church.
I gave the boys the “Just a minute” finger and they kept smacking me in the head. Lucky for me, they quickly lost interest. Once the adult conversation was over, I sought out the kids, tickling every one of them until one confessed to using his paper sword against my ears.
I thought that was the end of it. They were looking for someone to antagonize and I was a more fun victim than any of the real adults. After I walked away, I heard one of them call my name.
photo credit: 401(K) 2013 via photopin cc
It was one of the oldest boys, 12. He’d been more clingy than normal that morning but I figured it was because I was moving. He pulled me aside and handed me an envelope.
Katie: What’s this?
Boy: It’s for you. All the money I have.
Katie: All the money you have? For my trip?
He nodded and belittled how much was in there. A piggy bank amount… but also a piggy bank worth. Every penny—and yes, there were pennies in there—mattered.
The envelope in my hands was no small sacrifice. I hugged him, thanked him, and almost cried. (Yes, I also confirmed with his parents that this was ok).
Blessed.
It’s the only way I can describe the feeling in that moment with his envelope in my hands and his generous eyes locked in mine.
It was a tangible reminder of God’s faithfulness to provide after the clear call He gave me to go on the Spanish World Race.
Though I’m still far from fully funded (in fact, I haven’t even reached my first deadline amount yet), I’ve see Him in the eyes of children willing to give all they have.
I’ve seen Him in other missionaries who wish they could give more but are willing to sacrifice and pray for me.
I’ve seen Him in families who don’t understand why their vacation came in so under-budget… until they hear my story and realize the last of it’s for my not-vacation.
I’ve seen Him provide my largest donation to date when I’m most discouraged about fundraising.
Will you let Him use you?
Of course, if you choose to bless me, that’s awesome. If you choose some other way to make His name famous, that’s awesome too. The fact that you do something means more to me than what you do as long as it’s obedient.
For me, you can give online here or email me (KatieAxelson(at)gmail(dot)com) to inquire about other ways to give. Thank you.
