There’s no doubt in my mind that making the decision to do the World Race in the first place was a hard one, mostly when I thought about all of the money I would need to raise, all of the time I would spend away from home, and what would happen while I was gone. Plus, I’ve never even been out of this country and I’m going to be leaving it for 11 months?
I decided to do a January route because it was far enough out from the time that I decided on doing the World Race that I figured I would have plenty of time to prepare and raise the funds. Plus, the route that I chose was the only one headed to Mongolia, a country I feel God has been drawing me to for many years.
However, since I have made the decision and listened to God to go on this mission, I have felt a pull in my heart and had various “hints” that I should be doing something in October. So this last week I have really been thinking/praying about it and questioning God about whether or not I should consider changing my route. Last week when I was driving I was talking to God in my head and I said to him “I really just want a big picture or some kind of big sign that October is the right time for me. I have been feeling it is, and sensing little hints every now and then, but that isn’t enough for me to make the decision.”
So God said to me, that faith is not having a big picture or sign that you should do something or not, faith is experiencing the little things and sensing the need for something without really knowing if it is right or not, but you go with it. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen,” Hebrews 11:1.
In past circumstances when I felt I should do something I would put it off, not knowing whether it was right or not, and then sometime down the road I would finally make that decision and everything would turn out okay. So, because of knowing myself and how I have made it through things in the past after finally making the decision that I battled to make, and also the things that I have felt God say to me, I have decided to make the decision to leave in October on Route 4.
This route visits similar countries like the January route which are Mongolia, China, and El Salvador, but the different ones are Guatemala, Honduras, Malaysia, Thailand, Rwanda, Uganda, Albania and Greece. Greece was a big reason for my decision to switch routes because of my feeling God calling me there.
I will be honest, it scares me to think about this decision, because having confidence in my decisions is not something I am strong in. But at the same time I am excited and feel peace, and I feel that I don’t have to worry about any finances, even though I now have half the amount of time to fundraise compared to the time I would have if I was still going in January.
And I am confident in knowing that God has big plans for me, and if I will just have faith in the small things, surely I will have faith in the big things. Luke 16:10.
Therefore, what this means in terms of fundraising is that I really need your financial support if you are able, and your prayers for financial supporters if you are not. Even if you feel like you don’t have much to give, every dollar counts and any amount is appreciated!
My new goals are as follows:
1st goal of $5,000 is due July 22nd
2nd goal of $10,000 is due September 16th
3rd goal of $13,000 is due November 30th
4th and final goal of $16,961 is due January 31, 2017
I am setting up dates for fundraisers at the moment and will plan on trying to do one every weekend. I will still be in need of donations outside of my fundraisers. And of course I will still be in need of prayers during this time, and also when I leave and while I am gone.
If you would, please share this with your friends and family on Facebook and elsewhere, so that more might see it which could lead to more sponsors!
Thank you and God Bless!
Katie Hope
You can meet my squad mates at https://www.worldrace.org/?tab=participants&group=16W1004
