So it has been freezing all week, literally… it was 23 degrees the other night with nothing but sun in the forecast for a week! Where’s that NW precipitation when you need it? If it’s going to be this cold, there should be some snow to show for it! I’ve been saying that for days now. Well, today I got my wish because this is what I woke up to…
What do those weathermen know anyway, right? I’ve never leaped out of bed so fast before. First snow of the season! Best part is that I don’t have to go anywhere… and it’s a good thing too because from what I hear traffic is a nightmare!
Also, we found out today that the second deadline has been extended by almost a week! As of today, I am at $4,488 and I will need to be at the $6,500 mark by December 23rd! I need to meet this deadline in order to go. The last day for online donations is Thursday, December 19th to ensure everything processes by the following Monday.
Everything continues to be crazy with so much to do in the process of preparing to leave. Thank you to everyone who has helped in some way, either by praying or giving.
Please continue to pray. Here are a few of the big areas that you can be praying for:
*My condo: I still need to find a suitable renter for the time I’ll be gone. There are a bunch of things to be worked out in this area. I don’t have money to cover months that I’m gone, so praying that God brings the right people along soon! Along with this is the option to rent it furnished or unfurnished. If I rent it unfurnished, I’ll need to quickly sell my furniture.
*Fundraising: I’m trying to do as much fundraising as I can, but it’s not going as well as I had hoped. I’m doing some fundraising and a raffle at swing dancing this Sunday. Praying for a big turnout and that people will come with open and willing hearts to help in any way they can. I’ll post another blog soon with some easy ways you can help with fundraising other than donating.
*Finances: There are many things that I need money for aside from the money I’m raising through AIM. I still need to buy all my gear (tent, sleeping bag, backpack, daypack, etc), medicine, some clothes, shoes and other things I’ll need to take with me as well as vaccinations, plane tickets to launch in January and many many other things I can’t think of right now. If you don’t care about claiming the money you give on taxes and would like to help in this area by giving the money directly to me, please let me know!
*Time: That I would be efficient in the time I have left. I’m being pulled in a million directions and I don’t feel like I’m being very effective in anything. It would be easier if I was done working so that I have more time to devote to all the things I need to do, but I also need to work so that I have money to pay bills, etc and that in turn contributes to more stress in not getting things done… catch 22. Also, there are so many people I want to see and spend time with before I leave and it’s hard to balance that with everything I need to get done. Obviously, I would love to spend every minute with all the people I won’t see for a year, but it’s not realistic no matter how much I’d like it to be 🙁 Pray that I will “be present” as much as possible until I leave.
*Spiritual growth: I had a very late start in the World Race process, hearing about it in September only a week before the application deadline. If I had my rathers, this last month would be spent solely with God, friends and family rather than logistical preparation, but again, not realistic. I was on a spiritual high when this all started and the enemy has taken some of that away in all the details, stress and circumstances that are seeking to overcome me and rob me of joy. He has replaced it with doubt and uncertainty about my call at times, leaving me at a stand still in moving forward. Prayers in this area appreciated. That he will not find success in this and that I will stay close to the Lord, seeking Him and finding my refuge solely in Him and that I will continually be led by Him and filled with His peace every step of the way.
*Logistics/settling things at home: Aside from taking care of the condo, there are many things I need to do such as stopping things like car insurance and setting up a living will and power of attorney so that someone can take care of things while I’m gone like taxes. Pray for clarity in navigating everything.
Okay, I think that’s it for now! Thanks again! The next blog will have some info on easy ways you can help with fundraising 🙂
