It has been a really tough week, with lots of hard decisions. Last week I talked to my support coach and asked her what I needed to do to make my approaching deadline ($1000 by the first day of training camp), and I started doing as much as I could towards them. She told me to call her back a week later to see what progress was made. I started calling more people and business', looking at bazaars I could sell things at, and any other avenue I could think of. I wrote a very hard blog. I emailed everyone I had emails for. I prayed and prayed, asking God if this door was still open or not.
A week later (Thursday), I phoned my coach again and told her all that I had done and accomplished, but that I was still $600 off my mark. I asked her if she thought my chance had already been lost. I asked her if there was still hope. She told me there was, and that she's seen money show up at the very last minute, but I needed to really consider the possibility of not going. I needed to talk more with God. She also suggested for me to talk with my mentor.
So I took a long drive, my way of getting away and hearing God clearer. I kept asking if the door was shut, if I should shop pushing. The longer I was in my car, the more calm I felt, and the more I felt like He was saying 'yes' to me. So I called my mentor, and we talked a while about my motivations. We discovered that the main reason I wanted to go, was to prove to God that I am willing to do whatever He asks. My mentor told me I didn't need to prove anything to God, He already knows I am willing. Why would I spend $14,000 to prove something to Him?
Another thought, maybe God was teaching me I needed to work a lot harder to get it. I did nothing for 2 months, and God provides for us, but only when we work for it. Maybe His way of getting me to say 'yes' to Ireland now, was to show me the World Race and prepare my heart to leave BBC and Boise, to move on. Maybe I just wanted WR for the adventure and traveling. I don't have answers to these questions. All I know now is that WR is a closed door, and that I need to move on. I am okay with this. I have so much peace about it. I was not expecting that, and I am very thankful!
There are always doors to be walked through, and sometimes doors to be shut, but in the end whatever we choose to do for Christ will be used for good. WR has been closed for me, but Ireland has not. If that door also gets shut, I will take it, accept it and move on. God's will for me is so much bigger than I can ever dream up and I am always there saying "Bring it on!" Thank you all for your support and prayers. I pray that you will continue to do so, for it is not always easy determining what His will is!
I am still planning on moving to Ireland next November with my roommates. I am so excited to know personally the Irish and let God work through me somehow. I do not know yet what His will for me is there, but I trust that it will come soon. I will be going to the National Missionary Convention next month, and hopefully I'll meet some contacts through that. I trust in God's timing and will. Whatever is coming, I am ready and accepting.
So I had my carwash last Saturday and I was very surprised to discover that most people don't care to have their car washed. Maybe it was because it was October (even though it was in the 90s), or maybe it's because it is Boise, but by the end of 5 hours we packed it up with $70 raised. Part of me was disappointed because I had a much bigger goal planned but the other part is grateful that I didn't leave empty handed. Thank you for those of you that helped me out and came to get your car cleaned!
This week I've been calling around local mum and pop shops to see if I can get any donations for my silent auction in a few weeks. I'm slowly getting donations in, but I still have a long way to go! It seems that a lot of places have already given their quota for the year, and October is a little too late in the year to be asking. Big business' are also a bad place to ask on short notice because you must go through their corporate offices to get anything. I'll be doing quite a bit more calling the next couple of days to see if I can get anymore.
This week I talked to my support coach and she suggested some ways to fundraise and remind people of what I am doing. During this conversation I learned that in order to continue my journey on the January race, I need to have $800 in my account or in hand by the 15th (the day I leave for training camp). I wholeheartedly believe this is possible but I cannot do it alone. Please PLEASE help me reach this goal! Every little bit helps bring me closer to my goal!
My heart is in this Race but I have been feeling super discouraged since I have been back from Africa. I know this is where God wants me next year, and I know that when I am on this mission trip I will be stretched more than I ever thought was possible. I want that. I want to become a woman of God, I want Him to be know that I'm willing to put myself completely in His hands. So far, I've only received one donation towards this mission trip. But I am hopeful and prayerful that God will provide the funds that I need to take this spiritual journey.
The World Race is a Christian mission trip that travels to 11 countries in 11 months. Participants live out of a backpack, survive on a limited budget ($1.25 a day), and find themselves in situations where faith is the only reality to choose from. In partnering with existing missionaries and ministries, World Racers develop relationships with the "least of these", and through acts of service see communities and nations transformed all over the world.
I am on the January (1) 2011 route, which goes to these countries...
India
With nearly a sixth of the world's population within its borders, India is a country bursting with people and culture. Moreover, it has a diverse array of religious beliefs from Hinduism, to Islam, to a blend of folk religions and other faiths. While the country is on the edge of full economic development, it's still stricken with poverty and privy to the crimes of human trafficking, forced prostitution, religious persecution, and more. So what will you do in India? Change it from the inside out.
Nepal
Home to Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain, Nepal literally sits on top of the world. In addition to adventurous experiences you will have here, you will also visit widows and orphans in their times of distress and protect the innocent who are prey to human traffickers. This month of your World Race experience will submerge your in a culture that is desperate for an encounter with the living God.
Indonesia
The 17,508 islands that make up the nation of Indonesia are as diverse as their population, which is the world's fourth largest. Certain areas of this country, which is home to the world's largest Muslim population, are completely untouched by outside influences; others carry the exposure, even if only for a moment, of the Gospel story. Be prepared to explore uncharted territories and forgotten areas to further the work of the kingdom of God.
Malaysia
Enter a world entrenched in Islam. A people within the thriving metropolis of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysians still live in ignorance of the Good News of Jesus Christ. As you delve into this culture of works-based religion, strong self-discipline, and uncanny faith, you will have the unique opportunity to deliver hope and point the people to their Redeemer.
Australia
From the Sydney Opera House to the aboriginal tribes of the Australian Outback, Australia is as exotic as you imagined it. World Racers will partner with ministries, churches and missionaries who are spreading the hope of Christ to the rich and poor alike. While Australia boasts a more westernized culture, the marginalized, impoverished, destitute and lost still exist and live each moment for the hope of hearing the good news. Here, you may minister to people, much like you would back home.
South Africa
While it's been several decades since apartheid has formally ended, there is still more healing and reconciliation to take place in South Africa. This country is one of the wealthiest on the continent, and yet, much of the population that lives outside the cities is poor.
Like the rest of sub-Saharan Africa, this country struggles with a high rate of AIDS/HIV. Host to the 2010 World Cup, and breathtaking natural attractions, it is also a place full of kingdom potential, waiting to be released - by you.
Mozambique
One of the most beautiful countries in the African continent, Mozambique is a favorite location of World Racers for a variety of reasons: the people, the landscape, incredible ministry partnerships, the miracles that this country has seen, and more. The former Portuguese colony is seeing signs of redemption and economic recovery; because of, or in spite of the extreme poverty gripping the nation, the church grows. You will be teach, preach, practice "true religion" with widows and orphans while you grow in your identity in Christ. One of your most interesting travel "days" may happen here.
Swaziland
The Kingdom of Swaziland is one of the last remaining monarchies in Africa. Home to 1.1 million people and breath-taking scenic views, it's also where the world's highest HIV/AIDS infection rate lives (26.1% in adults and over 50% of adults in their 20s). It's estimated that by 2050, the country of Swaziland will not even exist. Young orphans are scattered throughout this nation that is in desperate need of attention. For years, AIM has been committed to seeing these statistics reversed. Here, you will most likely find yourself involved in a variety of outreaches, including education, orphan care, care point feedings, and more.
Romania
The northern regions of Romania are home to the gypsy community. Though strangers in their homeland and forgotten by society, the gypsies are a strong and vibrant people who embrace the light of Christ in an inspirational way. Here, you will teach English, lead sports camps, live life with the gypsies, and more. It will be an exciting time of learning about a people group you may not have known even existed.
Ukraine
Caught between its past oppression under the USSR communist regime and the desire to be accepted by Western society, Ukraine is a land of many ups and downs. Thankfully, there's hope, light, and life spreading like wildfire throughout this nation. Is it the kingdom of God coming in power? We think so.
Ireland
Ireland boasts a rich heritage of Christian faith through its centuries-old practices and history, dating back to the time of St. Patrick. Yet, today, the nation seems far from God. Rampant alcoholism and suicide rates reveal a desperate need for hope and dignity. Through sports games, children's outreach, street evangelism, and the relationships that just happen along the way, the World Race is reintroducing a life-giving faith to this beautiful, historic culture.
Here's how you can help:
-Pray for preparation, costs, safety, guidance, my teammates, family and friends staying home, and the people we will touch overseas.
-FinancialSupport-it is an overwhelming task to raise money for a year in just a few months, but I wholeheartedly believe that it can be done! The cost is $14,000 and you can help by clicking on Support Me! button on the left of this page.
I also have other needs for this race BEFORE I go such as; airfare money to an American airport (start point for the race), a 2 person freestanding backpacking tent, medical insurance, and money to buy vaccinations. If you'd like to help me in these areas please mail me your gift at 1055 N Echohawk Way Eagle ID 83616.
Thank you for taking time to read my blog (I'll be updating it weekly)!
Earlier this week my best friend yelled at me. Don't worry, this is a good thing because she told me that I am never going to go on the WR if I don't get my butt into gear! I have been in a funk for 2 months now, and I realized as she was telling me this, that my funk was my form of culture shock back into the U.S. I am so eager to get back on the field that I have been angry that I have had to come back to the U.S. for a bit. Of course, this isn't something I wanted to admit and I believe the devil has taken advantage of my pride. That is not acceptable!
With that said...
Progress is being made! I am having a car wash Saturday at the Stinker gas station on the corner of Chinden and Glenwood. Please come by and support me! I am also working on getting donations for a silent auction on early November. If you have anything worth giving, or if you know of someone who can, please do! And a reminder that I'm still selling Threads of Hope bracelets, I always carry some with me so if you'd like some just ask!
I went to get a follow-up Hep. shot yesterday and ask about what I'll need for the WR. To my surprise I learned that it's highly suggested to get Rabies (3 shots, each $205) and Japanese Malaria (2 shots, $256 each). These are both very serious diseases, both fatal if not treated within a short time frame. The question is if I take the chance. I have no idea what medical access I'll have while I am on the race. For rabies, I have only a 72 hour time frame to seek medication, before permanent damage (ie death), and for JEP it causes brain swelling (damage) that can't always be remedied afterwards. If you so feel led, please mail me your gift to help pay for that (you can tell me specifically what you'd like the money to go towards) (1055 N Echohawk Way Eagle ID 83616).
I appreciate all your support, but I still need your help with getting the word around! My group of contacts is very limited. Please tell others about my endeavor (or more accurately God's endeavor for my life). Feel free to give them my contact information! Don't forget you can donate by clicking the Support Me! button on the side of this page...I still have a LONG ways to go! I love you all!
This week has been another of roller coaster emotions. I'm still struggling with motivation to do school work, though it has gotten a tad better. I am finding myself overwhelmed with all that I have to do one moment, and then the next I'm bursting with excitement to be back on the field. I can't keep up with myself! Somehow, I have more work taking 2 classes, than I ever did taking more than twice the credits. And so having to write a paper every week plus all my other assignments in addition to fundraising and working at Old Navy is taking its toll on me. When it comes to fundraising, I know I'm not the best. I am in no way business oriented or a creative mind. I feel completely lost! This week I realized I needed to kick my butt into gear...but I hardly knew where to begin! It has been suggested to me to read People Raising to get some ideas. I'm going to try to find that this week.
Every week I hear of another person who is involved with the WR, or is familiar with it. Before June, I had never heard of it and all of a sudden its all over the place! It amazes me.
Last night I also got to speak on Africa and introduce WR to some of my fellow peers. Even though I'm a horrid public speaker, I think it went well. There was a good deal of interest afterwords, especially about how the World Race came about. I was able to sell some bracelets and give a bunch to a fellow student to sell for me! The interest is being raised at BBC! Progress is being made, slowly but surely! :)
This week has been very difficult for me regarding school. I've absolutely no motivation to do any of my work or even be in class. I just want to be fundraising and outside the country on the race! Somehow I have to find the motivation, and soon! Please be praying for it to come for me.
On the plus side of the week, I bought gear! Last week I bought a membership to REI because of the benefits. Yesterday, was the REI garage sale for members only (great timin, eh?) and I found a pack for $90! I saved $200 because I was a member! I also bought a sleeping pad (I did my research, and it happened to be the cheaper of the pads) and a mess kit. I'm so stoked that I'm accomplishing things! Spending 20 bucks on a membership was a good life choice!
Also, if you know of any good ideas for fundraising, do tell! Soon I will be hosting parties and such to get the word out and raise money. If you know of anyone that'd be interested in helping me out, spread the word please!
It has been an intense couple of weeks. I've had to figure out all the details of schooling (whether I should try to graduate, how many credits I should take, etc. etc.), find a house to rent with my roommates, move into said house, start my classes, figure out if I need another job, and prepare for this race!
Adjusting back to America has not been as hard as I'd thought it'd be. I've discovered that my mission trips to Mexico have really prepared me for re-entry. I knew what feelings to expect (resentment, frustration, etc), but I haven't really felt much of these. Yesterday, I watched The Constant Gardener, and I didn't realize that it took place in Nairobi! I saw buildings, slums, streets, and signs that I'd seen just weeks ago. I could respond (correctly!) to Swahili spoken, and I understood jokes about CHE (Community Health Evangelism). I was getting teary-eyed and longed to go back, just because I knew these things. I never imagined I would ever be Nairobi. I never thought I'd be able to greet a national in Kiswahili. I didn't know how much I would grow attached to the Kenyan culture.
So that begs the question. How attached will I get to all the nationals I meet on the World Race? What restaurants will I fall in love with? What ministry will I discover that I never knew existed before? Will I discover a place I want to spend the rest of my life in?
Wow. So much has happened in the last 3 months! But let me first tell you how it all started. Here goes.
My mother was in the Coast Guard so we moved every 4 years. I was born in Cape May New Jersey, but we moved to New York City a couple years later. While in NY my mum divorced my father because he was an alcoholic, druggie, and wife abuser. It was a good life choice for her to do so. Some time later we moved to Cleveland Ohio, close to where my mum grew up in Alliance. She married my fathers boss within the next year. About this time we started attending a Methodist church nearby and we got really involved. I really enjoyed it right away and 'got it.'
Also around this time, my step-father started to molest me. I was 7 and had no idea what he was doing, I just knew it was 'our little secret'. As I got older, I came to the realization that it was horribly wrong but I was scared out of my mind and I had no idea how to stop it. I didn't know if anyone would believe me or hurt my mum more than she already had been in life. My plan was to wait till I was 18 to tell her. God's plan was different.
In 98' we moved to Seattle Washington. 7 blocks from our house was Normandy Christian Church, which would soon become my home church. My parents wanted to continue going to church (my step-father was a member) and NCC was the first and only one we visited. The next December I was baptized! I became involved in every ministry they would let me and felt like the church was where I needed to spend much of my time and energy.
During the next few years God was working on my heart, breaking me of my fear of my step-father. A close neighbor (an adult woman) was the first person to notice, or at least say that something was wrong with my step-father. She told me she was there for me when I was ready to tell. As I went through middle school and begun high school I became depressed and anxious about how I was going to get rid of this huge weight on my shoulders. By now my mum had been told through a mutual friend that something was terribly wrong and she would occasionally try to get it out of me. When I was 15, 8 years after it all began, I was finally able to have courage, through Christ's strength to tell my mum and church family. They all believed me. They all supported me. They all helped me get through the pain. If my mum and NCC didn't believe me, I honestly believe I wouldn't be here writing this today.
After almost a year of trials, my step-father was sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Between all of that, I had felt God pulling me to go with Amor Ministries to build homes for people in need. In 2003 I left the country for the first time, for just over 1 week. I saw poor. I saw sewage running down streets that babies run through. I saw a need. During that trip, God told me that He wanted me to spend my life in missions. I went to Mexico with Amor 4 more times. While on one of those missions, I got another call, to go to Africa. I didn't know when or where, but it was clear. In 2008 I left Seattle to attend Boise Bible college to earn a degree in Missions. During my sophomore year, I met an employee of Christian Missionary Fellowship and saw that they were sending interns to Africa. I emailed the go-to gal at CMF to find out more and soon after applied to be a 2010 CMF Intern!
So here I am, June 2010. I am in Nairobi Kenya, East Africa (me, in Africa?!) I am working with incredible people, people born and raised in Kenya with the same beliefs as I. I am blown away by how big Missions of Hope International is (check it out!), how much they do for the community. I didn't know organizations existed, that did so much. But I know that Kenya isn't the place for me (to stay long term), so why am I here? First, to meet a girl named Cynthia that I would sponsor. Second, to hear about the World Race. Crazy huh?! My second week in Kenya, I got the call that Ireland would be the next place for me. I was blown away that He wanted me in the place I have wanted to go to my WHOLE life! I learned of WR by one of my fellow interns, friend who was in Nairobi on the WR. It sounded interesting. I decided to look it up. January 10' (1) was the first race I clicked on, and what country would be on it but Ireland?! I took it as an open door. I applied. I got accepted. And here I am writing my first blog!
There is more to this story, but this is the gist. Ask me if you'd like to know more. I am blown away by God's plans for me, how big they are. I never would have thought I'd get the chance to backpack around the world...for Christ! Bwana asifiwe!
