Hello Friends and Family,
I hope this note finds you in good health and spirits. I am writing to tell you of an upcoming adventure and new chapter in my life. At the turn of this New Year, I decided that I would dedicate 2013 to a word, rather than make a resolution. The very first term that popped into my mind was “explore.” More than merely exploring the physical world around me, I wanted to also explore my fears, limits, capabilities, and, most of all, my heart; I sought to know love better. What did my heart for others look like? How could I love more patiently? What did God’s love for me look like, and what would come of a deeper relationship with Him? Well, fast-forward 5 months, and I can attest that this journey of discovery has been humbling, illuminating, and is nowhere near being finished. I trust that this exploration will be life-long.
So, what is the next step? Pack my life into a backpack, explore the nations, and spread some love around the world, of course! Beginning this July, I will be serving as a missionary on the World Race with an organization called Adventures in Missions. The World Race is an 11-month missions trip to 11 countries. My squad of about 60 people and I will be heading to Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, South Africa, Mozambique, Swaziland, Nepal, India, Turkey, Bulgaria, and Romania to serve the specific needs of the people in each country by partnering with various local ministries. We will be involved in projects ranging from orphan care to befriending widows and prostitutes to delivering health education seminars to protecting potential human trafficking victims to leading sports camps and everything in between. Ultimately, we are traveling to bring love and light into brokenness and to offer God’s love, hope, and acceptance to others.
Now, I understand that not all of my friends and family share my religious beliefs. I sure do hope, though, that you believe in love and know that love changes lives. I am here to boldly stand up for love and ask for your support in bringing it to those in need. There are a couple of ways that you can partner with me in doing so. First, through prayerful and emotional support— in preparation for and while on the field, both of these are extremely appreciated! Secondly, you can take a part in supporting me financially. In order for me to participate on this missions trip, I have committed to fundraise $15,500, which will cover all of my expenses on the field (travel, food, administrative costs, etc.). I will personally be covering all costs related to trip preparation (i.e. gear, vaccinations, medical insurance). If 150 people give $100, either in monthly installments or a one-time donation, I will be almost fully funded! Enclosed is a Fundraising Card that will allow you to choose to financially support me monthly or with a one-time donation; please ensure that “STODDARDKATIE” is written on the memo line of any checks. To make an online donation, you can visit my blog site katiestoddard.theworldrace.org and click the “Support Me!” link. Please, give joyfully, not out of feelings of obligation.
Also on the blog site, you can subscribe to my blog by clicking on the “Update Alerts” link and entering your email address. By doing so, you will be notified any time I publish a new blog post during preparation for the World Race and while on the missions field. This way, you can stay updated on the work my team and I will be doing. You can also contact me through the blog site at any time by clicking the “Contact Me” link. I realize that that I cannot embark on this journey alone, nor would I be the person I am today without the love and support I have received from all of you throughout the years. You are all a blessing in my life, and I thank you for considering partnering with me on this journey both prayerfully and financially. I would be honored to serve as your representative to bring love and light to nations around the world. I truly am lucky to know such great love, and I cannot wait to share this same joy with the world around us.
Blessings,
Katie
