Learning through earning

So as many of you know, the end goal for my Australia mission trip this summer is $5,000. Now that is a huge number and a very intimidating goal to reach. However, through God’s grace and power, he has brought me to about $4,400 right now! Praise God!

I have been so blessed by the many families and friends that have decided to give financial support! It has been amazing journey thus far. I have seen countless people, that I least expected, give cheerfully. I have seen people from all walks of life and all religions come aside me and show me support. It has been life-changing to see how many people love me and want the best for me. I always knew I had a family but I never knew it was this big. Thank you for all your support, it has left a lasting impact upon my life.

The most unexpected lesson that I have learned through this process is obedience. Yes, that may sound weird, but again, it was unexpected. First, I had to learn how to obey my God. I learned through a lot of different aspects. I had to learn to obey his guidance that He had placed in front of me. Even though there were times in which I wanted to go my own way, earn money on my own and get myself to Australia, God always had a plan. I learned that He will always provide and always love, whether or not I know he is doing it. Of course I know I haven't fully obeyed God in every aspect of my life, but I'm getting there. I recognize the obedience needed for this relationship and I'm working to be a good and faithful servant of my Lord.

After obeying my God, I have learned to obey many other authorities that are placed above me. One of which being my parents. Since I was still very under my goal for Australia, my parents offered to have me work for my dad to earn money. With the process of doing yard work, painting, cleaning and working with my dad, I have learned many things. I now work with purpose. I know that each plank that I paint or each plant that I cut, I am working for those lives that I will reach in Australia. With this, God provided me with patience, strength and diligence. I learned to obey my father's commands and to fufill them successfully. Who knew I would learn so many life lessons, merely by doing yard work for money? I sure didn't.

I'm still running the race. Still trying to reach my goal. However, I finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. I am reaching up to merely $500 to go and I can almost feel the the relief. This support raising process has given me stress but has also led me to God. It has given me anxiety, but it has also led me to prayer. It has given me thoughts of defeat, but it has also reminded me of how amazing the result will be.

Thank you for all those who have supported. Please keep me in your prayers :)

I love you Lord and I lift my voice to worship you! Oh my soul, rejoice! Take joy my king, in what you hear! May it be a sweet, sweet sound, in your ear!

Glory be to God forever and ever, Amen!