I have decided that I will not be launching on the World Race in January, and do not plan on signing up for a future route. I first signed up for the World Race in March 2018 and originally planned on launching in January 2019. However, due to chronic illness symptoms and being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia a month before launch, I decided to postpone the Race until January 2020.
I kept moving forward with the World Race because I never felt God telling me to do otherwise, and I’ve spent this year working with a fibromyalgia health coach to help me manage my symptoms naturally through diet and lifestyle changes. I’ve come such a long way in my health over the last year and my symptoms have improved, however, as I’ve gotten closer to the January launch date, I’ve realized that my body just isn’t physically where it needs to be in order to travel and do the World Race. It also seems like an interruption to the beautiful, slow and steady healing work that God has been doing in me this year, and I feel strongly that I need to let go of the World Race in order to give my body the rest and care it needs to heal.
I feel a lot of peace, joy, and excitement about this decision. My symptoms have prevented me from really being able to prepare for the World Race, and so it feels like a relief letting it go. I also feel that God is taking my life in a different direction, and I’m excited for what He has ahead.
I would like to thank every single person who has supported me over the last year and a half through donations, prayers, and encouragement. I want you to know that although there is still more road to go in my health and healing, I am so much farther than I used to be, and I know that I am exactly where God wants me to be. I feel so much peace and joy, and I’m excited for God to bring new things into my life when my body is ready for them.
Because of the nature of Adventures in Missions being a non-profit, legally, none of the funds that were donated can be refunded. All of the money that I raised through donations and t-shirt sales will go into the Adventures in Missions general fund, which is used to support their various ministries. So know that although your donations won’t support me directly, they will still go towards expanding the Kingdom of God and help support the amazing work that Adventure in Missions is doing around the world. If you’d like to read more about Adventures in Missions ministries, you can go to https://www.adventures.org/give/
Thank you so much for your support, and I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!
Maddie Hodgett
