Mind Blown

Honestly, I’m not much of a writer. This blog thing is entirely new to me and not something I would have initiated without the strong recommendation of Adventures in Mission. As a kid, I despised anything related to academics. My mom would have assimilated teaching me to read to pulling teeth. I was bribed to read single words with  entire bags of Peanut M&Ms and I have Peanut M&Ms to thank for my literacy. I’m only half kidding (my parents worked very hard to educate me). Anyways, although I am not a writer, I absolutely love stories. Not only do I love stories, but I also strongly value storytelling. That being said, I hope you will join me as my world travels unravel this year! 

Training camp is less than 17 days away. I leave the country for eleven months in only 100 days!! Does this scare me? Strangely, no… Do I feel prepared? Also, no. There are days where the fact that I am about to embark on this adventure seems distant, like a far off thought that will never actually manifest. There is a part of me that clings to the familiar, my friends and family, community, roommate situation, job. In my 22 years of living, I can’t think of a time that has been more comfortable for me on an emotional or physical level. I don’t always love the idea of leaving this behind. Yet, God has clearly told me to go, to follow Him boldly and to seek Him first. I know that He has far greater things in store as I walk forward than any I could concoct on my own. 

Not to mention, guys, I am nearly completely fundraised!!!!! WHAT?!?  My blog has not been updated recently and continues to show that I am around 70% fundraised. That number has significantly increased in the last couple of weeks!!! And guys, let me just tell you, it’s ALL God. I started fundraising only *two* short months ago with the thought that I would probably deplete my savings in order to ‘make this happen.’ I looked at other racers/alumni that had fundraised the $20,000 and thought, “Wow, good for them…but that won’t be me.” Side note: I’m learning that God isn’t big into us ‘making things happen’ on our own. I’ve noticed that He enjoys making a way where there is no way…and doing what appears nearly impossible when we simply ask and obey Him in His leading. Our God remains the God of miracles and He is eager for us to know Him in that way. 

To those of you who have given (this definitely includes prayers), thank you. To Bethany and her entire class, I love you and can’t wait to meet you in person. You have given so generously. Some of you have given large amounts anonymously that I could never repay. You know who you are 😉 Know that I am absolutely mind blown. This is a beautiful example of God’s grace. None of us have done anything to deserve it. Yet, He gives it to us freely and without expectation of repayment. Just wow! If it is still on your heart to give, there is still time! You are active partners with me on this journey and I couldn’t be more blessed. I so crave your prayers during this time of preparation.

Blessings,

Steph

“There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind” ~C.S. Lewis