If you’d have asked how I would have describe this month, I would have 2 words:
MARCH MADNESS
And, no, that has nothing to do with the NCAA college basketball tournament.
Although I am bummed the Hawkeyes did not make it as far as I’d hope, but that’s beside the point.
I feel as if I have had very little to no time to breathe, exercise, or even be lazy. Last time I checked, I had wanted to spend my waking moments being present, attentive, and intentional with others. But where has the time gone? I cannot believe this month is already over. I realize I have spent those waking moments in ways that could have been spent much better: I was sick, exhausted, and/or complained. Here is a quick breakdown of what Madness in March made Mariah go nuts.
I came down with Laryngitis for a week and a half.
I worked 28 of the 31 days in March –> those days were a minimum of 8 hours.
I house sat for almost two weeks combined for two families.
I had to shovel snow… twice!
I worked (hard), as I knew my parents were on vacation in Florida without me.
I took on some extra tasks at work had more transitions within the home.
To be honest, I was a bit afraid that this month would be slow in terms of fundraising and prepping for the World Race as my life’s wheels were turning faster than I could control, but that hasn’t been the case, because our God is so good! God has said ‘Mariah, you need to rest, you’ve been challenged, but keep your eyes on Me and I will provide’, so I’ve tried my best and He certainly has provided a lot as I look back.
I am excited to announce that I have officially bought/ received all of my main gear for the Race. That includes 2-person tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, my pillow, my day back and hiking pack (my closet)! It makes it feel so much more real! The two pictures attached are of me and my essential items for 11 months (my day back is not included). I praise the Lord for providing resources, time, and the finances to be able to purchase these items!
With that being said, there are a few smaller things I still would like to get before I leave! And that’s where you come in! I know this journey will involve a lot of time with others of all sorts at all times of the day, but many of you guys know too that I am an introvert. So I have began to compile ideas of books, songs, movies, & games that I can have while I am abroad but I need more ideas! Give me book names, songs that helped you, games that pass time (& don’t need wifi) I want to be creative with ways to help pass time, to allow me to reenergize, and to get my mind off reality as needed. If you have any advice, ideas, songs you love, anything please please please reach out to me! Here, Facebook, e-mail, call/text. Also with that said- I am currently looking to purchase a old(er) Ipod Touch that I can use. I haven’t decided if I am going to bring my Iphone yet, but either way it simply doesn’t have enough storage. So I would like an Ipod Touch so I can have tons of music and games on there, use it a a camera when needed, and when I have wifi, be able to send e-mails/FaceTime/check Facebook. If you have one you aren’t using or any connections, let me know please 🙂
Only 128 more days until I launch. I am excited to embark on this new journey. I am tired of waking up in the dark to the monotonous alarm clock, and doing the exact same routine from 6:04am to end of the work day every day! I am ready to make new friends. Have a new scenery. Try new foods. Live in new cultures. Have spontaneous adventures and deep conversations. I am stoked to simple be the young lady God has made me to be, and to continue to discover more of my identity in Him, my passions, my gifts, and how I can be a Light to this dark world.
Just a reminder that my next fundraiser is in 2 weeks! I am hosting a Tastefully Simple party at my house! Friday, April 15th @ 6:30pm! You are all welcome, yes, I mean you! I would love to see you there. If you have any interest in coming, check out the details on this Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1171978692835697/
If you are interested in purchasing items but cannot attend, feel free to order online under my party. The link is: https://www.tastefullysimple.com/party/8418677/5df9074d-2764-4929-be68-9a0bcbe9e20b
And the last fundraiser that I have set up (as of now) is a garage sale on May 6th & 7th! If you have any items you’d like to donate! Please get in contact with me soon & I can reach out to when time gets closer! Feel free to comment on here, e-mail me at [email protected], Facebook me, or call/text if you have my number.
I thank God for each of you who have read my posts, commented on them, subscribed, donated, and prayed for me. This adventure wouldn’t be possible without people like you! I am just $107 away from having $13,000 in my account!
I am so blessed that you have decided to follow me! I am excited to continue to share with you how God is working for, in, and through me!
