These past few months have been fast paced but I have had much peace. In moments where I feel anxious, I go to God and ask for solace, as well as reach out to a woman of God to speak truth in that moment. God has been preparing me for this year to come in many ways! I’ve grown spiritually and it feels good to have more certainty and excitement as the time to go has been quickly approaching. I have learned more about God’s character, more about how I am supposed to live, and the true value of a holy and righteous life.
Some little stories about what I’ve been up to include:
-Back in April, I prayed about how to fundraise and I felt like God said, “detailing cars.” So, the next day I told some of my girls from Lifegroup and there was immediate support. I detailed a few cars, and the same week, I met a few Christian guys who wanted me to be in charge of a detailing business for them. It all felt very Spirit led, like wow what a coincidence! Long story short, I feel like meeting those people was meant to happen, but all in all, it seems that door was meant to close. I’m still so thankful for the way my friends supported by making me a flyer, hooking me up with supplies cheaper than she paid for them, and letting me detail their cars! I got most all of my equipment that month and did some training, which was very empowering! Really got some great insight about why God has called me to this, and I started getting to know my new squad (since I switched routes.)
-In May, I felt like God was leading me to worship/be a sign holder in the French Quarter for tips. I made a big sign and went for it. It was intimidating, and I ended up giving a crying girl $30 and ended with $7 profit. Over the month I had a few background extras gigs, did some babysitting, and continued waiting tables at The Cheesecake Bistro. I had a painting class fundraiser. I put myself in vulnerable situations because I felt led by the Holy Spirit to be there. I felt the Spirit with me so much, and I was meeting and praying with homeless people and drug addicts. I spent time getting to know people, encouraging them, and speaking Truth to them. I felt dumb at times knowing that my usage of time isn’t generating money, but I trust fully that God is going to make this happen and while I still have a lot to do, PEOPLE are God’s main concern, so to people is where I was called.
-In June and July, I spent time with friends and family, had more extras work in New Orleans, waited tables, babysat for two weeks for good money, and spent more time with the homeless of NOLA. I was more off track at times than I wanted to be, lost sight of how I want to show up in the world and the life that God calls me to, and the freedom from sin that is necessary for the impact I want to have, that Jesus died for. BUT God is awesome, and He has a way of leading us back especially when we ask for help, and stay coming back to community and the Word.
-While on set June 28th, by the grace of God, I met an awesome girl who is on an August squad and had just gotten back from Training Camp. She was an answered prayer, said what I needed to hear to desire a holy life NOW, so that I’ll be spiritually ready for Training Camp versus living in a worldly way/for my flesh, and then trying to give it to God then. Regardless it was amazing that we met, and SUCH a God thing. I had even been reading her blog, so thankful for that experience, and I got to help with her garage sale that weekend and meet a former racer there. Always a pleasure!!-In July, I met some really great homeless guys who said they wanted to get out of New Orleans and get to Houston, TX. I felt led to say I would take them, so we planned it about two weeks out. They had the gas money, and we went. I needed to exchange some items at REI and get some tattoos touched up–things I planned to do around this time, so it was a good occasion to go. I spent time throughout a week really living like the homeless. I felt that God was calling me to this uncomfortable learning experience. Things didn’t go as planned, so I stayed in my tent, slept in my car, and hit up a friend from college to crash with while in Houston. I ate at the free city outreach events, the Martha’s Kitchen, and got food from the Food Pantry, and showered at a the resource center. I genuinely do not have money, I have negative money. I just felt that while I was with these homeless people, I was to live as they lived. It was definitely NOT fun, but despite the experience I felt like I was where I was supposed to be. I had never lived like this before, and I do not believe I ever will again. I learned a lot more that week than I’m willing to write in this blog, but I’d be happy to talk to anyone more in depth about the experience.
I love how God never ceases to make me feel seen, heard, and confident in what He leads me to. And the simpler message of “I can do all things” is my fuel when training, fundraising, and planning for this HUGE adventure of a mission trip I’ve been called to. Also, since this experience, I’ve begun to embrace that I am to do what pleases God, not man. I am to follow my heart and trust God. People are going to question you and wont always understand, but you dont always have to explain and they dont have to understand. You aren’t wrong, and its okay to make your own decisions–such as hanging out with the homeless, in my situation. BUT I learned what I was supposed to and while I have a heart for the homeless, I am meant to work for what I have and live within my means. I want to be able to help others, not be a taker—although I clearly need financial support for this trip. Praying and believing God will inspire and speak to others to help in whatever ways they are able!!
I have spent about $1100 on vaccinations and about $1100 on my equipment for the race. I’m still $13,000 away from the cost of the trip. My first deadline was $5000 by July 31st, my next deadline is to have another $5000 (so $10,000 total) by September 22, another $3000 ($13,000 total) by 11/30/17 and the full amount of $18,017 by 1/31/18. I still have a lot to do to fundraise. This weekend August 17-18, I’m having a garage sale with my friend Lin who needs money for Belhaven’s Bible College, really hoping for the best! I also need to get my old school bus sold, that should be pretty profitous. My dad and I have worked the last two weekends to get it in the best condition possible because a little TLC will really increase the value! And number one, I need to go to churches and businesses to talk about what God is doing through me, and TO WRITE MY SUPPORT LETTERS>>That’ll be my first concern after Training Camp. Been trying to get physically ready for TC by wearing my 50 lbs of gear and mapping my walks. It’s more difficult than I anticipated. Yesterday I started out like a rookie with no water prior to the walk and no sunscreen–walked 1.78 miles in 34 mins. Today I walked 2.55 miles in 46 mins. I’ve gotta improve more this week! I’m amazed by how strong I am and how it takes real reliance on God to get through this, for me anyway.
Got a busy week ahead and I’m getting on a megabus at 10:30 pm Saturday to head to Georgia!! WOW! I already have some awesome love for my squad and have gotten close to a couple ladies, just know its gonna be a lifechanging empowering week where God is really gonna move! Yeah A Squad, check back at the end of the month to hear about how Training Camp went!
