First of all, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! In the last month, we have been able to raise over $1,000 in support for the World Race through many new partnerships in my Adopt-a-Mile support raiser! Not only did every mile get sponsored, we surpassed the amount that I originally intended to raise. God is SO GOOD!
Second, I made it to Florida! I can’t wait to see the amazing things God has in store for this group of students, me and my fellow interns, and the community that we will eventually be serving. The process to get here has been beyond hard and to be honest, there were times I began to doubt if God was truly wanting me not only here in Florida but also on the World Race.
The past month has been full of trials for myself and my family. Through tough financial decisions, car accidents, familial separation, and other more personal issues, I have seen God move in many different ways. A big one is the explosion of support raised for this trip. To date, this has been the most productive month with the most support coincidentally coming on the days that I was at my lowest emotionally and mentally. I have also watched God place person after person in my life that I’ve either been able to share the World Race (and more importantly the Gospel) with or have watched as there have been countless people pour in to me in unexpected ways.
The struggles and trials have not only been mine, my fellow squadmates have also been going through the ringer. They have been tested with illness, loss, and different personal set backs. Satan is attacking, friends. And while this was initially discouraging, I have found new hope in this because if Satan feels this threatened, God must be about to make some pretty big Kingdom moves! Our squad has grown closer, we have encouraged each other, and we have found new ways to be encouraging not only to each other but to those who are around us.
Continuously God reminds us of His unimaginable love for us. Three separate times in my four days in Florida I have heard different sermons on the radio about overcoming fear and trusting in God’s plan. That’s what trials and change are for, to teach us about trusting and having faith in God even when we are unsure of where He is leading us. Going in to this summer as an intern has been very intimidating and slightly terrifying. Will the church congregation like or accept me? Will I be able to reach students? Will I be able to do work pleasing to God? In all of it, I know God has amazing things planned not only for the students here but for me and my new family of church leadership and interns.
Trusting God is hard and walking with Him is messy but in the end He rewards us in ways we never could have conceived. Sometimes it’s through boosts in fundraising, sometimes it’s through deepening relationships with new friends. Francesca Battistelli put it best, “In the middle of my little mess, I forget how big I’m blessed.”
Keep the faith, friends, God is so so good.
Love always,
Katie
