Today marks 98 days until I leave for my mission trip. When I first saw the total cost of my trip (which is so not bad for being out of the country for 12 weeks!) I thought I would never be able to reach my goal – I would be pouring all of my paychecks into meeting my deadlines and stressing to the core.
I was so wrong.
YALL!!!!!!!!!!!!! GOD IS SO GOOD. I know we all know this… but like He is SO good.
I have not only met my first deadline (due on June 26th) but even my second (due on July 29th) and am only $800 away from meeting my goal of $5,300! Trust me, I’m in shock too.
To my family,
I love you guys. SO so so much. My adoptive extended family, you have shown me nothing but unconditional love and support since they day I met you guys. I have always felt like a Christopher and nothing less then. You have not only made room for Chels and I in your already huge family, but each and every one of you have opened your hearts to me. Having losing a family and gaining one that believes in my every move, every decision, and every dream – I will always be thankful for you guys.
Thank you for not only the willingness to support me on my trip with such generous donations that have soothed over my fundraising process but most importantly, for your willingness to believe in me. To push me to be great. To love others like you have loved me.
Thank you.
To the friends who have become family,
Most of you have been there for me and my family since I can remember. You have all provided guidance, support, comfort, love, and shoulders to cry on through the good and bad times. From birthdays, graduations, holidays, dinners, and even Chels and I’s adoption – I wouldn’t rather spend them with any other crazy bunch of people. You’ve spent countless hours loving me and my family and I am so thankful that we have had all of you cheering us on.
The support, questions, prayers, and donations I have received are beyond appreciated and I can not thank you all enough for the generosity and kindness you have shown me through my journey.
Thank you thank you thank you.
One of the most important things I have learned preparing for the World Race is that I am not supposed to be “put together” to be worthy of this journey God has placed in front of me. If it is of His will, He will make it happen.
He is going to use me, broken and all, as a vessel of the love and second chances the Heavenly Father has an endless supply of (yes, I have probably been given a thousand “second chances”).
This is my time to give it all to Him, to be faithful and willing, all for the glory of God.
Thank you all for allowing that to happen.
Sincerely,
Stef
