Life is funny- you say “everything will be great if this one thing doesn’t happen.” And then here’s the funny part: that very thing (the one thing that couldn’t, shouldn’t, and under normal circumstances wouldn’t happen) occurs. So, silly girl that I am, I decided that I would take on a new adventure and try running in a Rugged Maniac race (a 5k course of 25 obstacles including, but not limited to, jumping over fire, climbing walls, crawling under barbed wire, etc.). The one thing that couldn’t happen: I could NOT get injured. I am leaving for World Race training camp tomorrow in Gainesville, Georgia for 10 days. It will be filled with lots of physical activities and team bonding exercises. Getting injured would inhibit my physical capabilities and ultimately not help me with team bonding.
This is how the Rugged Maniac race went down…. Second obstacle in (the 2nd one of 25- I got so far), I was jumping over trenches and jammed my toe into the wall. Thinking it was only jammed, I continued throughout the rest of the race limping, crawling, and bearing through the pain. I found out today (the day before I leave for training camp) that I broke my big toe. What does this mean? I will be sporting a new fashion at training camp- a post-op black shoe. Needless to say, I am less than thrilled. I’m honestly pretty frustrated. But life rarely goes as planned, and I’m sure God has His hand in this. It is forcing me to completely depend on Him during these next 10 days as I go to meet my team mates and prepare for the most exciting 11 months of my life that is quickly coming in a little over a month.
Here’s one blessing: amidst the stress of my big toe, I have completely lost all stress related to packing. I packed tonight twice, and it took me less than 5 minutes to stuff everything into my pack (including my tent, my sleeping bag, clothes, sleeping pad, pillow, and more). I thought it was going to be so hard to limit what I brought, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that it isn’t that difficult (watch me eat those words when I’m at training camp and have forgotten everything that I need). My big toe is changing my perspective, and the blessing is that it has happened now (before training camp) and not right before I leave for the race.
God is good. All the time. Not part of the time, and not only when I have functional big toes.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:6-8
I would LOVE prayers during these next ten days (May 21-31) as I enter into training camp. I am really excited to meet everyone and to prepare, but I’m also very nervous. I would also appreciate prayers for fundraising, and I want to praise the Lord for all that He has provided thus far. I have currently raised over $9,000 and am well over 50% fundraised- what a praise! I would love to raise $11,000 before I leave (or even be fully fundraised, Lord willing), meaning I have at least $2,000 to raise in the next month (and a little over $7,000 to be fully fundraised).
If you have already donated, I cannot say how much I appreciate you partnering with me. It has been such a humbling process, and I am so honored, privileged, and grateful for your huge generosity. If you would like to donate, you can give via my blog (by clicking “support me” to the left). I can’t believe everything God has done so far, and even with set backs (like broken big toes), I know He’s going to continue to provide.
