I never thought this day would come. The day I left my home.
I realize, most of you may not know how I even came to be on this journey, so let me tell you about it:
In August of 2015, some friends, my parents, brother Angus and his fiancé and I planned a 3 day backpacking trip in our backyard- the Rocky Mountains. There was lots of planning involved with this, purchasing backpacks and freeze dried food. If any of you know my Dad, he is the king of researching. So he found some videos on YouTube about backpacking, like what should you bring, how do you cook, how to poop in the woods, and I watched every video with him. The “host” of these videos is a photographer, so I found him on Instagram and lightly stalked him 😉 I found out that he had written a book called “The Wild of God” and I thought, “oh it’s probably a book on backpacking! I’ll get it and read it for our trip!”
I read it, but it wasn’t about backpacking.
It was about this thing called The World Race.
My heart and mind was opened to a possibility of serving Jesus and others, and while getting to see the world. But I thought, “No way. No way could I ever do something like that. There is just NO WAY I could leave my family and home for almost a year.” But God never let the matter drop. For days I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I watched YouTube videos, took a test on how well of a Racer I’d be, read countless blogs and stories. After a couple days of research and praying, I told God, “Ok. I will apply, but then you have to do the rest Lord.” (I’m very demanding ha) The night I applied, I was praying and asking God if this really was the thing for me, and I prayed that when I opened my bible, I would have an answer.
I turned to Mark- The Great Commission:
“Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:14-16
Oooook Lord.
I applied in secret, maybe telling 2-3 people. Went on the backpacking trip (which was incredible!!) came home, and about a week later while I was at work, I got a call that I had been accepted!! I was so excited, but then the reality hit me. In order to leave in January, I had to have $3,900 raised in 3 weeks. Doubt and fear filled me. “No way can I raise almost 5,000 dollars in THREE WEEKS Lord. No way.” But again, the Lord never let the matter drop. I told Him, “Ok. I’ll do everything that I can, but you have to show up!” And ohhhh my goodness gracious did He ever.
In two weeks, I had nearly raised $5,000 dollars. Meeting the first deadline a couple days before it was due. God was showing up! And then in the next month, I went on to Training Camp for 10 days. God steadily brought the money in, and now, just a couple days before I head off to Peru, I am less than $500 away from being fully funded!!!!!!!
What seems so so impossible to us, is incredibly possible with God. He knew this would be the direction for my life. He knew exactly what to do to get me to trust Him. He knew every penny that had to be raised. And $17,000 is a lot of money. But He knew.
And now I am here. Sitting in the car as my parents and I drive to Georgia to launch. Last night was the hardest night of my life. Saying goodbye to my precious babies Mason, Jossie, Elias and Ada. Sadie and Rod. Arleigh and Meredith. Angus and Lilly. Natalie, and both sets of my Nana and Papa. Close friends. I clung to each one, weeping, thinking, “What am I doing?!” But God knows. He knew this was going to happen before I ever knew. It is a bittersweet moment. I’m so excited for the future, but sad to leave all behind. I’m thankful that goodbyes are not forever.
And if you’re reading this, I’m so very thankful for you. By the will of God, I am almost fully funded and I can’t even begin to describe how extremely thankful I am for the support system, prayer warriors and givers. For the Body of Christ. For you. My heart overfloweth.
All the love in my heart goes to you.
Maggie
