I have been SOOOO overwhelmed with the the amount of support I have received in more ways than I thought possible. I have been encouraged daily by so many people. God is so good at confirming things in our lives through other people, and he has done that for me through each of you. Since I have decided to go to Mexico not a day has gone by that I haven't had something happen that reveals to me more and more that I am in His will.
I also want to take a second to share a few stories with you...
First, let me tell you about Lauren. We met probably about a year ago, but she hasn't lived in Spokane consistently so we have never really built a relationship. When she has been in Spokane she has attended our college group, bible studies, Sunday services, and each time we would chat and say a friendly "how are you?". Last Sunday at church Lauren came up to me and said that she needed to talk to me. I asked her what was up and she said that she wanted to support me financially. I was thrilled! I emailed her my support letter and went about the rest of my day. I never expected what was going to happen next...
Later that day Lauren texted me asking how much support I had left to raise. When I told her, her response was ,"Cool. I'm going to give you $600." So nonchalantly like that wasn't a big deal, haha! I was shocked. My jaw dropped and I couldn't even speak. I knew she was leaving town the following week, so I asked her if we could go to coffee. During our time together Lauren told me how God revealed to her that the money was for me. You see, Lauren wanted to go into international missions. She was planning on moving to Poland to be a missionary. Her missionary training was supposed to take place in Colorado, and she had $600 saved up to go to the training. God totally closed the door on that path in her life and she knew in her heart that the money was still supposed to be used for missionary work, so she gave it to me. The obedience of this 23 year old girl puts me in awe.
Next, I want to tell you about Chris. We have been interns together at Life Center for the last two years and I would call Chris my brother. Before I could even mention the fact that I would be writing support letters, he assured me that he would be financially supporting me. A few days after my letters went out we were headed into a meeting when Chris stopped me and handed me an envelope. The envelope had $100 in it. Now, what some of you don't know is that Chris has been battling an auto-immune disease for the past few years. Along with the sickness comes mounting medical bills, and on top of that Chris supports himself as he lives with 7 other guys from the church. Just in general, $100 is a lot of money, but when you throw all of that on top of it... Wow. Again, the obedience of a 19 year old... It made me examine my own heart.
And let me tell you, Chris isn't the only person with a sickness that has donated a large sum of money to me. It brings me to tears when I think about the people in my life who are battling illnesses that bring financial burden, yet they are still obedient in giving.
Another shorter story, a random guy at my church approached me and said, "Hey, I think what you are going to do in Mexico is so amazing and I want to support you, but this is all I have in my pocket." He reached into his pocket and pulled out $5. My heart was so full in that moment. Someone emptying their pockets because they believe in God's calling on my life in this next season.
My sister and her husband generously sold me their iPad for nearly half of what it is worth, and since I won't have a phone down there it will be my only means of communication! What a blessing!
I receive facebook messages almost daily of people sending me their addresses and asking for my support letter. Even my co-workers have just been coming up to me and handing me a piece of paper with their address on it. I can't help but smile. It is so encouraging.
These are just a few of many AMAZING stories that I could tell you about what God is doing, but I'll spare you the time. Again, THANK YOU so much to every single person reading this. I can feel the comfort from your prayers every single day and it brings so much joy to my heart. I could never do this alone, and I am so thankful that I don't have to.
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