Welcome!!
For those of you whom are just joining me and seeing what this whole World Race thing is about- let me share a brief overview.. 11 months, 11 different countries, and a whole lot of rawness. Along with some really uncomfortable situations that include bugs, heat, and views I have never witnessed in my life before. I leave October 1st for Malaysia and my goal is to be fully funded by October 1st- which means that $16,531 will all be accounted for. 🙂
For those of you who are returning to hear more about my story- let me share with you more in depth about who I am.. 🙂
I am an individual that absolutely finds enjoyment in the small things in life: a shiny rock, a beautiful view of a mountain, a simple text from a friend, or even a really corny Hallmark card. Just being in people’s presence is usually something that suffices me for a long period of time. I enjoy peoples company in general. 🙂
I had the privilege of going back home to Minnesota (where I’m originally from) this last weekend and,MAN, I cannot tell you enough what a wonderful trip it was. Not too long, but also not too short! Really- it was just perfect! 🙂 I tried using my time wisely by visiting as many people as I could and I was thankful in that moment that most of my community back home lived in short distances from one another! I am from a small town and being able to visit all the people that I really care about and then having others surprise me was a royal treat!
I was able to speak in front of the church that I attended while in college, and it made me so happy- I literally grinned ear to ear! 🙂 I was able to share about what I am going to be doing within this next year, and so many people finally understood that this trip is not about me or the things that I will gain. It truly is about the creator of the universe and that He will use me to bring healing and restoration to those in need. That includes the people I am in community with now.. 🙂
My college pastor made a comment that really had me thinking this last weekend.. He had said to the congregation that I was a blessing to have around, and he expanded on that by sharing that I have a contagious laugh (for those of you who don’t know- when I laugh- you will know, so will people a mile a way.. It is loud, and obnoxious, but brings other people joy). The last part has been a struggle for me since I was way young. I have always thought that because I have such a loud laugh and easy excitement that I need to tone it down, and become someone I’m not. My pastor brought it to my attention though that my laughter brings joy, encouragement, and peace- things I had never thought of before. I would never have thought that my laughter would mean that much to someone else. It was totally cool that the Lord decided to use my pastor to let me know that I am worthy of love- even through some of the insecurities that I have.
I just wanted to share with you guys that the Lord totally rocked my socks off this weekend! I was able to see some people I haven’t in ages, people that I was hoping I would see but didn’t have time to- yet they were right there. I was able to visit longer with people than originally planned and others showed me so much grace because of it. It worked out. The Lord provided.
If you can see- I am not fully funded- not even half way there yet, but I KNOW that the Lord is going to provide. I know that during this season of preparation He is going to show up and totally surprise me with Love, Grace, Compassion, and Provision. God does things at last minute so I will trust Him fully. I wanted to share this with you guys so that when you are faced with something that might seem impossible- create dialogue with the Lord and see what doors open, and which ones remain shut- its like that for a reason.
Please drop me a note if you feel compelled to do so- I would love to hear feedback! 🙂
If you want to donate to my fund, please click the “support me” button, or you can also write a check. 🙂 I plan to create a vlog soon- soooo be on the look out for that within the next couple of weeks. 🙂
Do me a favor- just smile at someone you don’t know today. I feel as if we are constantly stuck in our own bubble and we hardly extend the invite to anyone to just be accepting of who God made them to be- children of his. Try it and see what happens 🙂
Love,
Mariah
