Grace, Giving, and Gratitude

Hey friends! 

First of all…

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!

Thank you for your prayers, financial giving, and encouragement! I am so amazed and humbled by the support I have received from so many people. I am nearly halfway to $15,800, which I am counting on reaching before Launch on September First! It is just incredible to see how generous people are even in the chaos of today’s world.

This fundraising journey has led me to talk to people who I haven’t spoken to in years (most of them remember me when I was “this big”) and some of them strangers whose faith is increased by hearing how God is using me… And through it all, I can’t stop smiling. I especially want to thank my anonymous donors as well as the lovely people giving through Sitka Assembly of God website (thanks for setting that up pastor Ryan)! I also want to mention my classmates who have bought my handmade stickers through my Etsy page that I set up so that 100% of profits go to this trip! (link is below)

 I’ve learned that this all goes so much smoother when I remember WHO is in control and WHO is the provider. It’s NOT my hard work that gets me funds, or planning, or even my donors! It all flows from ONE hand, and we are simply stewards of His resources. It’s easy for me to grab ahold of this and say, “it’s fine, I got this god” and he lets me learn the hard way… Again and again, that I do not, in fact, got it. And I am SO glad that I don’t have to! His way is ALWAYS better and so, so much more beautiful.

Speaking of beauty, something that has been on my mind lately is the grace God has for us. When we mess up (constant) and are everything but perfect (He doesn’t expect us to be) He is still there for us and waiting to help us up with the same amount of love as before!

Another aspect of grace is the common beauty of life around us. My little town in Sitka Alaska has been completely drowned since last spring. Record rainfall last year (70in→120in) and 5 days of snow in April this year makes it easy to be pessimistic. But then I remember, I don’t deserve any of this anyways! It was through pure grace that we are able to enjoy sunny days fishing with friends, the view from an alpine peak, eating dinner with family… The point is: God wasn’t obligated to give us this incredible earth for us to live on. So be thankful for every moment of every day!

If you are reading this and not sure how to support me, below are three great options!

PRAYER! Pray for opportunities to build relationships wherever I am and end up, that I remember who the true provider of funds is, and that I am present and not waiting on the trip to be faithful and obedient(:

Also, you can let me know how I can be praying for you by leaving a comment below or sending me a comment through the “Contact Me” tab, I would love to be praying for you!

ENCOURAGEMENT! This gap year is going to be HARD but so WORTH IT! you can help me by encouraging me both during these months of fundraising and while I am on the missions field. 

DONATIONS! Donate by clicking the link at the top(tax-deductible), Venmoing me @Grace-harang(non-tax-deductible), and/or buying a sticker off of my Etsy page below.

The money raised will go to cover all of my housing, food, and transportation for my trip, as well as supplies like tents and backpacks. I hope that you will prayerfully consider partnering with me on this journey!

 

Etsy Shop:         https://www.etsy.com/shop/GraciaeDesigns

*Don’t forget to subscribe to get updates every time I post!

Love ya’ll!

-Grace