It’s 10:26 pm. We just arrived to our next host location in Vista, CA. I’m writing this from a cute little camper that we’ll call home for the next 2 weeks and I feel like I’m living my best life. I never planned to be a wanderer. I always imagined being planted and rooted in one spot. My desire for travel started developing in high school and the further I went, the further I wanted to go. Now I can’t imagine being anywhere than right where God has me. Sometimes that means a sweet season enjoying home with my family. Sometimes that means traveling across the country in a van full of girls who’s greatest hope is to live like Jesus. Either way, He makes me feel like I am home.
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the selflessness of countless people, some of whom I’ve never met. Sometimes fundraising can be frustrating, but I’ve learned how to view it as a deeper way to trust Abba. Watching the way He answers my prayers and shows up just when I need it most is pretty exciting.
This has been a season where He has taken me into deeper trust, faith, and holiness. And it’s not been any easy one-refining never is. He’s breaking off lies that I’ve believed about myself (which always lead back to lies I believe about Him). He’s shown me how to look to Him first in situations that used to be stressful and frustrating…Three hours from our destination our van started overheating. As we pulled over and our logistics leader (shoutout to Annie) decided on next steps, I found myself praying and worshipping through the situation…
Waymaker miracle worker promise keeper light in the darkness my God that is who you are
Papa was holding us in His hands the whole time and we arrived safely.
We’ve been on the road for 64 days.
We’ve traveled through 14 states.
I’m not even going to try to calculate the miles.
I’m $77 away from being fully funded on my blog.
If it’s on your heart to continue supporting me after I am fully funded, I would love that. Staying within our food budget on a gluten and dairy free diet has been difficult (and California is expensive). I am also in need of support to cover my health insurance. I will post at the bottom where you can donate, but first I’d like you to know something…
Your donations aren’t just dollars. When we fill the van with gas, that’s you. When the van breaks down numerous times (and it has) that’s you. When I eat breakfast in the morning, that’s you. When I have a cozy camper to lay my head at night, that’s you.
But also…
When I have the honor to bless a homeless woman with books because she loves to read, that’s you. When I pray for a man who asks for deliverance from his addictions, that’s you. When I stand in front of the Bellagio to bring awareness to sex trafficking, that’s you.
I can only live my current life because of Jesus, and He has worked through you to bless me.
Please know that your support is more appreciated than I could ever express. As I curl up under a blanket and feel the refreshing touch of cool desert air, I wish you could all experience this with me. In John 14:12-14 Jesus told His disciples they would do greater things. He was only one person, but through Him they could live as He did and spread the Kingdom. Some are called to a life of travel, and some a life of rootedness in once place. Either way, you can spread the Kingdom. Are You?
To donate:
Venmo: @lwatts91
Paypal: PayPal.me/lwatts91
Cashapp: $lwatts91
The Lord has truly given you each place you have set your foot (Joshua 1:3). And we are praying for you each step of the way…love you!
I love this in the moment blog so so much!!! You inspire me to be grateful for where we are, content, no place we’d rather be than with each other on this adventure. Like Britt, reminded me our only roots are in Him and that is where abundance of life are! Powerful about how fundraising works towards this good, and how much God is teaching you throughout. I cannot wait to watch the abundant life you’ll with him now and forever!
Welcome to Cali! Let us know if you make it to San Fran so we can try and see you!!! ?????? Congratulations!!! ??
It would be hard to overstate how much the Lord is teaching you through this adventure of serving Him. For example, “This has been a season where He has taken me into deeper trust, faith, and holiness.”
Thanks for sharing, Lauren. What a beautiful way to live life!!