When I first signed up for The World Race I thought the hardest thing would be raising $17,000. Come to find out, it has been.
It’s not working more hours, sending out support letters, making rings for support that makes fundraising difficult. It is the face to face asking for support. I have NEVER been good at asking for help. Not at work, from my family, friends or anyone. I am independent and enjoy doing things on my own. This is where my pride came in.
I use to think I had none. I thought I had an image of kindness, love and a hardworking attitude. I learn daily just how prideful I am.
I’d like to introduce you to Maria. She is a coworker and friend. This sweet girl came in with such a meek and tender attitude I never realized the strong, courageous, roller derby woman inside her!
We’ve discussed our relationships with men, crazy women we have worked with, our roller coaster rides of relationships and our relationship with Jesus. I know we are not perfect people, we struggle, we have mood swings, we go through our ups and downs just like every other woman in this world. But she always always ALWAYS has a smile for me. Encouraging me through my World Race experience.
One reason I signed up for this trip was due to a 6 year old girl living in Rwanda, Africa. I began supporting her, Promise, a few months prior to signing up for the World Race. I chose my specific trip route because I would be working in Rwanda. Maria stepped up without me asking and offered to support Promise while I was gone. Such an amazing financial weight off my shoulders.
I am so blessed to have such amazing friends in my life who help take care of me as well as the people I care about.
The old geezer of High Cotton, Sargeant Tony Sacco!
Old geezer may be too old and not know how to work a computer and read this blog mentioning him.
This crazy old man is so generous to have donated this tent to me. He continued to ask me what I needed for my race. The list was so long I didn’t want to begin to write it down. I was feeling overwhelmed before training camp due to all the miscellaneous things I was still in need of. I wanted to buy them all myself because “I am an adult and I can do it” one of the lies I continued to tell myself.
But Tony continued to pester me! Finally I told him a few things I still needed. One being a tent. Now side note, this old man loves to shop! He brings in plates, cooking supplies, donuts, cereal, oatmeal and so many random gifts for our restaurant you wouldn’t believe. He has a very giving heart.
Come to find out he had a few tents laying around. Was I surprised, no. Was I thankful? YESSSS!!! This amazing donation saved me a few hundred $$$. And I love it! Taking it to training camp I was unsure (because well I don’t go camping). But this tent worked great! And it was free!
I realize even when I am reluctant to ask for help God still supplies my needs.
As you have learned I do NOT go camping. I enjoy the outdoors, hiking, swimming, etc. But camping, outside in the cold, for dayssss is not what I would call fun (until now, thank you training camp).
When I shared with my friend Carly that I was going on this mission trip where I would be living out of a travel pack for 11 months I think we both had a nice long laugh.
But her boyfriend Jake had only advice and encouragement for me!
So much encouragement that literally a few days later he gave me this fancy smancy North Face Travel Pack! Along with his Bear Grylls Ultimate Fixed Blade Gerber Knife, yes mom it is called a BEAR knife. It includes a diamond sharpener, emergency whistle, fire starter, and rescue instructions (which may come in handy). He has endless tips for camping, hiking and advice if I get myself into any crazy situations.
I am so thankful to him and Carly for supporting me! Saving me mucho $$$$ by not having to purchase a survival knife or expensive travel pack.
“What a lovely picture!” I know right! You may be wondering how I got such fancy pictures done on my budget $$$. Well I have this awesome friend that is super creative and spent her entire Saturday taking pictures, jumping fences, getting lost all through Anderson just to get these pictures done.
I asked Bailey to take a few pictures with me because I know how creative she is. Little did I know her head began turning, pins were being sent, shopping was being conducted. And the next day off she had it was scheduled! Let’s just say this girl gets things done!
And well I may add. She wrote this creative board in the picture above, bought old suitcases, searched throughout Pinterest for ideas and gave up here entire Saturday for me. I am so thankful!
I have learned if you do not surround yourself with people who not only encourage you but help you get things completed to move on to the next step/goal in your life you will have a tough time getting there. She has always been a constant encouragement and someone who asks the touch questions. She is a go getter! And I am so thankful to have her by my side during this crazy experience.
If I have learned anything so far during this World Race experience it is to humble yourself before others. Not to be afraid to say how you feel and what you need. To ask for help. To ask for prayer. To say what is going through your mind and learn to deal with emotions of pride, impatience, stress and worry. To go to Jesus about it, because I had to face the hard facts that I am not in control, He is.
I leave January 8 for Atlanta where a few days later I will make my first stop in Costa Rica. Many people have asked my route plans:
January-Costa Rica February-Nicaragua March-Hondorus April-Bolivia May-Chile June-Balkans July-Greece August-Romania September-Ethiopia October-Rwanda November-Uganda
I will be serving a month in each country to meet the needs of its locals. Seeking to find what the Lord wants to teach me and others through me.
Right now I have around $6,500 in my account towards my mission trip. The World Race has set my next goal of $10,000 due on December 18. I am asking for you to share my story and help get me to my next goal. If you know of one person who you think may be interested in helping me send them my email [email protected] and I would be happy to follow up with them.
Wish me luck (I will need it). Keep my team in your prayers as we travel and thank you for you support.
