Hi there!
I have thought deeply about my interactions with my supporters as of late and I think that I would love to take a moment, and thank you, for having faith in what God will be doing in and through me within this upcoming year! As I have reflected on many of the conversations I have had with a vast majority of you lately, I feel as if you have been left in the dark about what I will really be doing while overseas and why it is exactly that I will be going. Please let me shed some light on that.
I first had the opportunity to explore and learn more about what the World Race is back in Dec of 2014 and have had it in the back of my mind for the past couple of years. I’ve had the desire to see and explore different cultures since I was about five years old, and the passion just continues to burn more and more each passing year.
PLEASE do NOT think that the World Race is the place where I am just going on a vacation over the next 11 months.. This is not like the amazing race you hear about on TV. This year-long trip will be one of the hardest things that I have ever felt called to do in my life. Honestly, I am excited to travel to these places, but I’m also super scared. Yes, you did read that correctly, I, Mariah Paden, am scared to travel to these places (not because of what is going on in the world), but rather because of the growing that will take place in my heart.
I am stepping out of my comfort zone for 11 months. What does that look like you ask– Well, I will be sleeping in a tent for 11 months. Living out of a single back pack for a year. Taking cold bucket showers. Eating food that is less than appealing to me (that also refers to eating bugs.. Blah!) It also means listening to people in their hurting circumstance. Being corrected on something that might be a core value or belief of mine. Being in a large community with people– all the time. This is a developmental year for me as well as it is helping others in third world countries.
While these things will be hard (not having the comforts that I’m used to), I am blessed/ elated to be able to share this journey with 44+ individuals and really dive into community with them. There are things that we have started to develop as a team-being intentional about prayer requests, sharing funny stories about our (their..) love for Lord of the Rings, (Harry Potter fan here- all the way)! As well as sharing our doubts, fears, and excitements about the upcoming months.
I literally leave the country in LESS than FOUR months! Guys this is CRAZY!!! I’m nervous for my biggest dream to come true! I am excited for the opportunities, but also crazy aware of the possibilities of being molded into someone who I never dreamed possible.
I however, cannot (I will repeat that), cannot do that without you. I am in need of people to come along side me and be willing to step out of their comfort zone and support me financially as well as prayerfully (both are definitely equally needed), but if I cannot raise the finances, I will not be going. :'(
As of right now, I am at 22% I need 28% more in order for me to be able to even consider launching. (I have a church that is willing to donate a decent portion as long as I can get half way). Once that has been accomplished- that will push me over the edge to be able to travel with my team come October. I would love to be able to travel with my team this October, but I seriously cannot do it without each and every one of you. To those that have and are still supporting me, thank you. To those that have yet to reach out, please let me know if you have any questions, or are uncertain about if your money will be used in the correct way.
Let me share with you the break down price wise for my travels abroad:
45%-Intercontinental travel
19%-Lodging
13%-Food
12%-Misc. Supplies
11%-Transportation
These funds are not used to bring me a glorified year abroad, but rather to bless the people that I will be serving with and along side. We will touch on huge social issues abroad: Sex Trafficking, Refugee Crisis, Orphanages, as well as teaching English. I would love to be a part of my team when they go in October, but without you it’s not possible.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me and let me know. Also, if you have any prayer requests that I can be lifting you up for- please send me a message as I would love to be praying for you guys. Thanks for reading this and wanting to be involved in my life. Remember- even “small” contributions make a huge difference!! 🙂
Tshirt sales brought in $125!! 🙂 Let’s keep it going! My newest fundraiser is for people to donate $24 for my 24th birthday (half birthday really-June 24th, beings my real birthday is Christmas Eve–Golden birthday on the Race–let’s get it!! 🙂 ). If you feel called to donate, please push the donate me button and I look forward to keeping you all updated soon on how things are going! 🙂
<3 Mariah
