Why this? Why now?
I feel that I should share with you why I have chosen to embark on such a challenging, lifechanging, and beautiful journey.
Have you ever been in a place where you know you are called to more? Or maybe you just feel the need to make a difference, that God has more for you than all of this stuff you've been doing. Well, I look back on my life. Where I have come from and where I'm going. I'm big on reflection and recognizing those moments in your life where everything suddenly changed, or where God stepped in subtly when you needed it most or were even unaware of His grace in that instance. I have a good job. I am at a place where my finances are FINALLY starting to balance out and life is starting to relax into something comfortable. But . . I know that God is calling me to more than this.
I know because of what I've walked through. My friend once shined a light on an aspect my testimony that I never noticed before. What I went through, those moments I walked through that were meant to destroy me, were instead a creation of something beautiful in my life. It was a sincere and honestly beautiful miracle. It was my turning point. In my moment of devestation God taught me compassion.
He taught me a compassion so deep, sincere, and whole that I know I'm meant for more than a 9-5 job. I stumbled upon The World Race via a chat with a friend and fell in absolute excitement. I was hesitate to apply as most people thought it was 'cool' but didn't really support me. That was until my aunt faithfully planted a seed of $50 into my fund. I hadn't even applied yet and she already believed in me. She already saw the writing on the wall.
So I applied.
About five days later I had an interview, and a week later I was accepted. This past Tuesday actually. Since then I've been commissioned to raise $3500 by Saturday night before I leave for training camp. The Lord brought in over half in SIX HOURS. If that's not confirmation, I'm not sure what is.
Yes, I'm scared. I'm walking away from my life for a year. I'm walking away from a career, a successful freelance photography company, my family and friends, away from watching people grow up, seeing people join in forever together, birthdays, births and deaths. I'm walking away from everything I know into something I know nothing about. Into an opportunity that will forever change me. An opportunity that will allow for me to love on those who need it most. To do what my heart is longing to do: to show compassion to the 'least of these.'
And you might think I'm crazy, that I have lost my mind. Or perhaps you aren't sure what to think. All that I can is that I know God has called me into this race. I trust that the finances will be met in the most beautiful way. The Lord has always been so gentle in my walk with Him but He's starting to be bold. He's starting to make Himself so known in my every move. I'm captivated by Him and how He has already been moving throughout all of this.
I know that I'm called to do this, to love on the unloveable. <3
BTW: If you would like to donate to my short term deposit goal of $3500 – I still need $1690. Please use the 'send a hello' – contact me' tab on this website and let me know so we can arrange donation. In the future you can just donate online and as soon as the deposit is met that will become an option. Due to time constraints I need to collect checks made out to AIM. Thanks!
