When I committed to the World Race back in October, I knew then I had quite the journey ahead of me.
Obviously leaving the country for nearly a year with a gasp-worthy amount of money to raise requires some thought and preparation. I knew this, but I could never have foretold the ways this journey would stretch my heart and prayer life before it even officially starts.
I was almost certain that God did all the humbling He needed to do with me before I committed. After all, I arrived joyfully at a place of willingness to serve Him in whatever capacity He desired. My spiritual life was thriving. I was going to leave behind my comforts to do His handiwork all over the world. I was the textbook definition of a humble follower of Christ, right?
Wrong, McKenzie. Very wrong.
In hindsight, I can always laugh at my misguided assumption that God has completed His work on this masterpiece.
Thankfully, I didn’t fight God on this one. If I didn’t learn to surrender my pride from the beginning, I don’t think I would be on track to launch in August.
This process is a full-time job. It’s praying for God’s provision every single day and telling Him that I want His will over mine. It’s investing in relationships with my squadmates through prayer and conversation. It’s coming up with new and exciting fundraiser ideas and then hoping people like you will think they’re worth participating in. It’s saving my pennies to get the gear I’ll need for a year living out of a glorified backpack. It’s setting aside what McKenzie wants for the last eight months and recklessly pursuing God’s plans for me. And believe me, I wouldn’t change a thing.
Yes, I have already faced challenges and disappointments, but I’ve also experienced God’s love in more ways than I can count. I’ve witnessed miracles – the kind that can only be explained by divine happenstance. I’ve learned what it really means when people say “God provides.” I’ve thanked God a whole lot just because there’s a whole lot to thank Him for.
My level of dependence on Jesus has multiplied tenfold. With it, my eyes have opened more than ever to see the delightfully inexplicable ways He is working on my behalf.
I never thought the obstacle of raising money could deepen my relationship with Jesus so much. I never thought this season of waiting for the next thing could produce so much growth.
There are times when I think I’ve given a lot of myself to the Race already, but then I remember that it’s just a matter of me saying “Yes!” to a proposition made by my loving Papa. It’s not what I give, but more so what I’m willing to give up so I don’t stand in the way of His great plans for me.
I’m so thankful that He presents each day as an opportunity for adventure under His wing. Even a time like this, which could be looked on as tedious and exhausting, is actually spirit-filling and invigorating. I don’t wake up knowing what each day holds, but I’m falling off the edge of my seat in anticipation of what my Best Pal will do.
If this is what #Before11n11 is like, I can’t imagine the adventure that still awaits me in just 88 days.
I expect moments of immense joy and peace. I anticipate the sting of being uncomfortable. I am certain that my heart will be shattered more than once. I don’t know how each of these feelings will be presented, but I do have confidence that they will come.
I also have a greater confidence in Him who won’t leave me where I am through any of it. I just can’t wait for the next phase of this adventure through the path He has set before me. At the same time, I’m enjoying this present moment of getting to know Him more with each passing day.
Now that I’ve updated you on the state of my heart, I better fill you in on all the other happenings in my life.
Life and fundraising update:
I graduated.
On April 30, 2017 I became an alumna of the University of Florida where I graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Public Relations. I absolutely LOVE that I am able to use my skills and enjoy my passion of communicating creatively as I blog and vlog my experience of serving God and people on the World Race. Talk about gifts!
I am 44% funded.
To my knowledge, the total support raised so far is $7,744. Thank you to every single person who has supported me financially and prayerfully over the last eight months! I am blown away by God’s provision and your willingness to share your hard-earned resources for this cause. Grateful is a vast understatement. I would so appreciate your continued support as I work to meet my next financial deadline for $10,000 in July. Donations can be made by following the “Donate!” link in the top-right corner of my blog. You can support me by giving one time or monthly. Anything helps! I would not be anywhere close to this if it weren’t for you, and I can’t finish this race without your help. Thank you again for investing in me.
You can still adopt a box.
My Adopt-a-Box fundraiser is still going on! I have a little over half of the boxes that still need to be claimed. This is a great way to support me without breaking the bank. The way this works is each box is associated with a donation amount. For example, if you claim box 38, you are committing to donate $38. If you’d like to help me finish up this fundraiser, comment on this post or message me to claim your box. Again, thank you for your support!
xoxo,
McKenzie
