Exciting news! I am getting so so close to being fully funded! I have 100% of my start up budget and over 75% of my monthly budget raised! The only bad news, is that for me to be able to leave in early January as planned, I have to be fully funded by December 8th.
That means I need $800 of monthly commitments in the next 6 days! I would absolutely love to be able to leave in January as planned, and I have full faith that if that is the Lord’s plan, He can do it. But, I also am holding it with open hands. If it is not the Lord’s plan for me to go in January, then I know He is protecting me from or preparing me for something. I trust His plan for my life, and I’m super excited for when He sends me!
It would be amazing to be able to finish this week. So if you are waiting to start giving, in a position where you can increase, or know of someone who would be open to supporting my ministry, please let me know! No amount is too small and everything helps. Whether it’s $5 or $500, your support means so much to me and is a huge help for getting me to Ecuador. If this is something you can help with, you can sign up here!
What I’ve Been Up To
August began with a lot of questions that the Lord was faithful to answer so beautifully. My apartment lease ended August 18th and I had no clue what I was supposed to do until I left for Ecuador. I knew I wanted to be able to be home for
a last holiday with my family, but also couldn’t imagine leaving Charleston so early.
During this time, my friend made a Facebook post that her friend was looking for childcare for her newborn. At first I dismissed it and said a quick prayer that someone would be able to help, but for the next week I couldn’t get it out of my head, and the Lord repeatedly brought it back to my mind. So I asked our mutual friend to connect us. I didn’t know if I could help or would even be in Charleston since I didn’t have housing, but I wanted to be obedient to the Lord’s prompting and reach out to her.
From our very first conversation, I felt so much peace from God that this was the next step. It genuinely felt like this was my last “assignment” before I leave the U.S. I still didn’t have a place to live, but I knew I was supposed to help. When I told the mom that I wanted to help and about my (lack of) living situation, she actually offered me a free place to live! We came to an agreement where I nanny her child in exchange for a place to live. It has been such a blessing! I have loved living here and getting close with her and her sweet baby. I have felt such joy here, and I have grown so much during this time. I feel so much closer to the Lord and am so grateful for this time.
Other Updates
September, October, and November held many highs and lows.
Definitely more highs than lows, and it’s been a beautiful season. This is the first time in my life that I have truly been able to rest and spend time with God. Most of my “adult” life I’ve been in college, working 2+ jobs, and had an active social life. I don’t say this to brag but because it was so unhealthy. I was operating at an unsustainable pace, and I was constantly exhausted. I found so much of my value in performance and productivity. I don’t think my eyes were fully opened to this until it was stripped away from me. I honestly feel like I spent most of September learning to find my identity solely in the Lord instead of my work and relationships. While this was one of the hardest things I’ve done, I’m actually really grateful for this season. This was definitely something I needed to learn before hitting the mission field.
October and November were significantly better emotionally, but worse physically. I’m not someone who gets sick often, but I got sick several times over this time period! Despite this, it was a really good two months. I was able to spend time with my friends and family, go to weddings, and continue my fundraising journey. I was able to rest and spend time with God like I haven’t been able to before. I think my biggest take away from this time has been learning how to Sabbath.
How to Help
- Prayer – Prayer is still my biggest need. If you would pray that the Lord’s Will be done as my deadline approaches I would be so grateful. In addition, I’m still praying for my original prayer requests which were that the Lord is preparing a friend for me, and that I learn Spanish super quickly!
- Funding – This is a support raised position, so financial support is necessary for me to be able to serve in Ecuador. First, I want to say a huge thanks to all of my current supporters. I am so grateful to everyone who has already signed up to support me financially. This would not be possible without you! Second, thank you to everyone who has verbally committed to me! You are also super amazing! If you have verbally committed and have the financial flexibility to begin giving, it would be a huge blessing. I cannot go until my organization has the electronic records that I am 100% funded, so it is important to have an accurate idea of where I am if you are able. You can sign up to give here.
- Reaching Out – If you know of any opportunities where I could share what I’m doing or anyone else who may be passionate about anti-trafficking or women’s ministry, please let me know! I am so close to being fully funded, and I’m looking for people who can help me finish strong!