I’ve come to the conclusion that the best time to write a blog is when you have time or you simply can’t sleep. My week has been full; filled to the brim and I am thoroughly enjoying every bit of it. I have just about completed my first week of student teaching and all things considered, words really can’t begin to describe how great it has been. I adore my class and love the school I am proudly serving in. On top of that the past several weekends I’ve gotten to know a great group of people that I really enjoy hanging out with. Not only do they love being outdoors, serving, running, and playing volleyball, but they love Jesus and encourage me in His presence.
Without going into too much detail, it seems that so much has happened so quickly in my life in just this short month of January. You know the feeling you get when you’re running down a steep hill that causes you to go so fast you’re on the edge of either completely losing control of your body or taking off and flying…I think I’m at the flying part (: I feel like my eyes are opened to a wider perspective on a daily basis. I love this race that I run here in America and the people who run with me. Not to run just to survive, but to better themselves and the world they’re in. The company of people like that is pretty neat.
I spend a lot of my time thinking, pondering, and processing what I have gone through and experienced. I can’t help but see everything as being a small part in a much bigger picture. Two things that the Lord has taught me and that I have been so sure of ever since I was accepted on this world race thing was that 1) this present time up until I depart is preparing me for a much greater journey in these other countries and 2) simply put, The Lord will Provide. I have always believed that and in this current fundraising situation I believe that I will be fully funded before I leave the States. Back in September, I had no idea what that would even look like or where to begin.
Much like Paul, I didn’t grow up knowing The Lord for most of my life. Truly, I didn’t start seeking this transformational relationship until almost 5 years ago. The fact that I have breath in my lungs right now when the wage of my sin is death; that is Mercy. And the truth that I have salvation and will spend all of eternity with Jesus; that is Grace. God continues to bless me with what I do not deserve. Like salvation, I haven’t done anything to deserve it or earn it. It is extremely humbling being 35% funded. I haven’t done but one fundraiser, send some letters out, and share my story as I feel led to. Not that I am sitting around doing nothing, but the things I try to do by my own strength have failed and God has reminded me that all of this is HIS doing, not mine. I look forward to the next couple of steps of action to take in this process that God calls me to and will keep everyone posted.
Again, words will always fall short of my gratitude for you. Every cent, prayer, and word of encouragement has been so appreciated and lifted up in thanksgiving because it is what I’ll be living off of in July! (:
My next blog will be about ways you can be praying for me as well as other fundraising opportunities.
Grace and Peace
Ephesians 1:3
