(Originally posted 10/6/2021)
As you may know, for the past 5-6 months I have been working to raise money for my trip, $18,700 to be exact! A few years ago, when I took my trip to Thailand, the thing I struggled with most in saying yes to God was my fear of not raising the money to attend the trip. Many people encouraged me to release that fear rather than use it as an excuse to hinder me from this opportunity. I was reminded to trust that if this is something I'm being called to do, God will provide, and of course, He did.
In this process of fundraising I have had moments of stress and doubt. One day while expressing my concerns with a good friend, she reminded me of the lyrics, "all I have needed, thy hand hath provided." I tried to think of a time when this wasn't the case, and I truly could not think of one. Although it wasn't always in the timing I had hoped for, God always provided. I was reminded that His timing has continually been perfect. I reminded myself of this lyric any moment I began to stress about funding. I took comfort in the fact that He has never failed me, and He won't start now.
I was shocked and overwhelmed with thankfulness at all the friends, family, and even people that I have come into brief contact with, that had been donating toward my trip. Me, being emotional and all, would typically tear up when I saw a donation go through. It felt like a reminder and confirmation that I have truly been called to go on this trip and that people have faith in His mission. I finally reached a place in which I truly believed He would provide for me, whatever that looked like. I didn't need to know the timing that he would do this in and I didn't need to know how, I needed to fully trust in Him. My first payment was due right at the end of September, and sure enough, I was blessed by so many people and exceeded the amount I had needed at that time. About a week or so after this, I received a text that shocked me and put me in awe of God. My trip had been FULLY FUNDED! Yes, you read that right, COMPLETELY FUNDED! It felt like a huge weight had lifted off of.my shoulders.
In a time of stress and tough decision making, my roommates mom once asked her, "Do you still serve the same God?" She responded "Yes." Her mom simply replied with "Then you can exhale..." I thought of these words right when I realized God had provided, and he will continue to do so. I remind myself of this good news frequently. I am so thankful for all the generous donations, as well as how many people have lifted me up in prayer.
Thank you for your support!
