When I was first accepted into this trip, I was overwhelmed with emotion. I had immediately started sobbing when I heard the “formal invitation” into the trip. Not just because of the long wait and constant emotional battle of staying strong during that wait, but because I realized the scope of the task set before me fundraising for this trip.
The first two days or so, my nerves were so shot and my excitement was so flared, I couldn’t concentrate on anything! (Including fundraising.) But as the realization set in that I needed to raise $12,000 for just the trip, not including any gear or airfare, I started to get nervous at the realness of it all.
In the first couple of days, I realized very fast that I was looking inward for the answer to the money that I needed. I kept saying, “You know, I’m truly excited about this upcoming season of learning to trust in God!” But I realized that when I said “Okay God, I trust you.” I really meant “Okay God, I know I can do this. I know I can make this happen.”
Which wasn’t actually trusting him. Not in the least.
When I finally got in contact with my “mobilizer” for the trip, I found out that I have a 50% deadline coming up on May 2nd.
You can probably imagine my shock at this news, and my overwhelming sense of discouragement and fear. I began to feel as though there would, in NO WAY, be any possibility I could get the money in time. I mean, $6,000 in three weeks. I am Nowhere near that number! (Take a look at the top of this page to see my current progress.) Now that will take a miracle.
I remembered then, that I happen to know the God of miracles, provision, comfort, and love. Not to mention money happens to be the easiest thing for him to do.
You know, trying to stand on my own without my Jesus to lean on is exhausting!
This entire process has caused me to really, truly trust. I don’t need to spend time thinking about any way that He could possibly make it happen. I don’t need to know how He is going to make this happen. All I need to do is trust Him and come alongside of Him.
Going on this trip is not just for me to fulfill my desire to adventure and travel and love people. Going on this trip will allow me to share the Gospel with others that do not know Jesus yet. I get to serve my Jesus, while I become His hands and feet and love His children.
I know that because I am called to go on this trip, he already knew the timing of my acceptance. He already knew the circumstances of my finances. And not only did He know, He already has it figured out as to how the money will come. And the best part yet – He will be helping me claim the funds set before me!
As soon as I decided to whole heartedly trust in Him, within the first day I had two people approach me and ask if I needed funds for this trip. I also found out about a site where I can design a T-shirt, and sell them for a great fundraiser! (Stay tuned for images and a chance to buy them!)
So God, I continue to trust in you! And I will never doubt your goodness or provision!
If you feel moved in any way to donate to this mission and partner with me, please do not doubt! God could very well be asking you to help me get to my deadline! I am a strong believer that when we give to His kingdom and partner with Him, God will provide in return!
Thank you for your continued support emotionally, prayerfully, and financially!
