When I rang in the new year, I knew I was walking into a season of preparation for the World Race. I knew what I thought that should look like, but life had other plans. The new year has not been kind to me. Bad things happened. Tough decisions were made. The life lessons just. kept. coming.
My car was totaled, then a few weeks later another car hit me and ran off. I see you, 2017! A week before I moved out of my apartment, my stove caught on fire. Cue much-needed crisis skills. My fundraising letters even went out with the wrong ‘Send Checks Here’ address. Here I am, 6 months before launch, and my letters aren’t even right. And honestly, all I can do is laugh about it.
2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” Well y’all, I’m full of weakness. Right down to the very tools I’m using to get funded. But so what?! I’m getting to see how powerful God is in all of this messiness. I’m watching first hand how he’s molding me and shaping my path, and that’s pretty stinking cool. Instead of finding anxiety in these situations, I’m embracing opportunities to rely on him.
I just can’t wait for launch. I’m so excited I can’t stand it, but things still have to be done! So how am I intentionally preparing? You know, the stuff between the chaos. I’ve let my job know that I’ll be leaving, I’ve rehomed my dog, and I’ve moved out of my super cute and comfortable apartment. I got my first round of vaccines last week. I’ve never been more excited for shots!
These things are teaching me so much about patience, grace, and self-awareness. I didn’t want to rehome my dog, and because of that, I didn’t want to trust God with it. But because of who he is, he still showed up, delivered, and provided overwhelming peace about it.
I’m also learning so much about faith and trust. A lot of people would say taking all of these steps before I’ve raised the money to go is crazy. But for me, they are necessary steps in the process. I’m thankful for the moments that require me to take leaps of faith.
Fundraising is proving to be uncomfortable and challenging, but it’s revealing how incredible the people in my life are. I’m just constantly in awe.
My preparation season is a little more grueling than I anticipated. But so what?! Life happens. And while sometimes it feels dark and gloomy, we serve a God who longs to bring light into your darkest days. A God who will go above and beyond any of your wildest expectations.
Please continue praying for me and my team as we work towards our financial goals! The number can feel daunting at times, but every single prayer and donation matter, and they are SO appreciated.
P.S. If you’re still with me and needing to send a check (you’re the real MVP), THIS is the current address. So sorry for any confusion!
Adventures in Missions
P.O. Box 742570
Atlanta, GA 30374-2570
Or use the donate button at the top of this page!
