twenty-eight.

28.

28 days until World Race. 28 days until I hop on that flight to Georgia and embark on what will likely be one of the most amazing, transformative journeys of my life. 

There’s two sides to this:

1. 28 is not a lot. I don’t have long to wait, which is incredibly exciting. It’s something that gets those butterflies fluttering around in my stomach, something that keeps me up at night thinking of what my life is gonna look like in less than a month. Thinking of this new journey is exhilarating, freeing.

2. 28 is not a lot. Not at all. Which is also incredibly terrifying. In 28 days I leave my friends and family, and step into a whole new world of unknowns. In 28 days, I have to have all my gear, packed in a 65L backpack and ready to go. 

Amidst all these emotions, I know one thing to be true and steadfast: the Lord. He has been SO faithful throughout this whole process: in helping me get my gear, in leading me through decision making, in helping me get the right flight, in providing the finances for me to actually be able to be a part of this journey with WR, and so. much. more. 

Finances are a very tangible way in which I’ve experienced the Lord’s goodness, steadfastness, and provision. So far He has provided $14,119 which is absolutely INSANE. Again, I’m so thankful for how he has provided, and also I’m grateful for people like you who have tuned into the ways He’s prompted you to participate in this process, whether it be through giving or prayer.

Friends, I only have $1,681 dollars left to raise!! Seriously, I can’t say it enough: GOD IS COOL.

I’m believing the Lord to be fully funded before I leave for Georgia, which means, in 28 days, I need to raise 1,681 dollars. This may seem like a lot, but if there’s anything I’ve been learning throughout this whole process, it’s that He provides, and He provides in unexpected ways.

The bible is filled with countless examples of this truth, but recently 1 Kings 17:2-16 has been on my heart. There’s two instances which involve the Lord providing for Elijah through two unlikely sources: some birds and a poor widow.

In the first instance, Elijah is fed by ravens in the wilderness. In the second instance, Elijah sees a widow and, per the Lord’s instruction, asks for some food and water. She tells him, “I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.” Elijah, unhindered by her explanation, instructs the widow to go home and make some bread for him, and also some for this herself and her son. I can only imagine what this woman was thinking. Here was a stranger, asking her to first make bread for him and trust that there would be enough for her starving family. In an extraordinary act of faith, she goes home, and makes the bread. And “there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah.” 

What shook me the most about this passage is that fact that God not only used these two extremely unlikely sources to provide for Elijah, he also made sure that the provision ran over and poured out into the lives of this struggling widow and her son. I could comment some more on this, but my bible’s commentary on this passage was just so good, I have to include it. Paraphrasing just wouldn’t do it justice. 

“In a nation required by law to care for its prophets, how ironic is it that God turned to ravens (unclean birds) and a widow (a foreigner from Jezebel’s home territory) to care for Elijah. God often gives help from the places we least expect it. He provides for us in ways that go beyond our narrow definitions or expectations. No matter how bitter our trails or how seemingly hopeless the situation, if we are always on the lookout for God’s loving care, we will find it – sometimes in some strange places!” 

Honestly, what more needs to be said? My prayer is that I wouldn’t put boxes around the Lord and that I would learn to trust Him to provide for all my needs, in whatever capacity that may look like. Especially as I look to the finish line and the end of this fundraising process! 

If you read this far, you’re a real one. All I ask of you today, friend, is please please pray about being a part of getting me to that fundraising goal by september 2nd. You can give here online, or you can donate by mail. If you want to go with this second option, email me @[email protected] and I can get you started! And if you can’t support me financially, prayer is much needed as well! 

Here are some prayer requests I have: 

1. That I would get all the gear I need before I leave!

2. That the Lord would move upon people’s hearts to give and get me towards my fundraising goal: $15,800!

3. For safe travels, healthy goodbyes, and a smooth transition to Georgia!

Thank you for reading, friend! I’m excited to keep you updated on this journey and tell you about all the amazing things the Lord does!

God bless-

Emma