After committing for the race, reality set in. I was actually responsible for raising $18,000 and on top of that, I still needed to get all the equipment that would keep me warm, clothed, sheltered, dry, and comfortable for 11 months of traveling—and when I say all, I mean all. I had absolutely nothing that was recommended to bring since I’ve never been camping before. However, for those who know me, you know I’m a planner and a list maker, so of course I had a game plan on how I would obtain the equipment:
- Ask family and friends through social media to see if anyone had some of the items I was looking for
- Visit local and chain outdoors stores to see if they would be willing to partner with me by donating some of my needed items
- Increase my fundraising goal to cover the costs of buying brand new equipment (last resort)
All I can say is I’m so glad that things don’t happen according to my plans, because the Lord who holds the stars in the sky and calls them each by name, also knew exactly what I needed and he had planned long ago for how he would meet my needs.
After my plea on Facebook, I received two responses that seemed promising. One from the mother of my best friend, Jessica Martin, who said her son, Ryan Martin, had some equipment I could probably use. Ryan obtained his gear by being involved in boy scouts all his life and now that he’s in college, he doesn’t need his equipment for the time being. A second response came from a friend, Stevi Antosh, who was in the same life group as me through my church a couple years ago. Stevi is a veteran who now lives and works near Richmond, VA, where I go to school. She replied by saying I was welcome to come look through some of her equipment from her time in the military (Thank you for your service, Stevi!). I followed these two leads and I’m happy to announce that through these two awesome connections, the Lord provided literally every item on my list and THEN SOME–I mean I’m even stocked up on camper’s toilet paper ya’ll!!
Here are some pictures of the gear I accumulated from both Stevi and Ryan. I’m still in the process of deciding which pack will be a better fit and which sleeping bag makes the most sense, but I have a feeling overall, the gear I end up taking will be a pretty even mix between both of their generous donations.
Stevi’s pack (filled with camping towels, carabiners, bungees, wool socks, and so much more), sleeping pad, and if you can believe it the small green pouch is a sleeping bag!
Stevi’s CamelBak and travel pillows. Ryan’s ENO, footprint, and sleeping bag!
Ryan’s sleeping pad, sleeping bag, pack, and super cool head lamp!
Ryan’s tent, all the equipment, and a super stoked World Racer! (This is the first tent I’ve ever pitched in my life!)
I wanted to publicly thank both Stevi and Ryan for trusting and allowing me to take their gear, literally across the world. I’m thankful to know both of you and blown away by your generosity. Thank you, thank you, thank you! This is the biggest blessing.
The Lord is good and I’m learning that he will take you by surprise by how he uses those he loves to accomplish the mission he has you on. I know this is only one piece of the puzzle before I’m all set to leave in August but I’m more confident than ever that this is only a taste of the Lord’s provision over this trip.
Cheesin’ because 70L packs are pretty light when they’re empty!!
**Title of this blog is credit to the song “Reckless Love” by Steffany Gretzinger, which I’ve had on repeat this week. Check it out here
