It’s been one month to the day that I arrived in Toronto.  The dream of The World Awaits has been constantly on my mind, and I’m finally in a position to pursue it with the passion and urgency it deserves.  I came across this quote sometime last year, and it’s always been a deep inspiration to me.  Since arriving in Toronto, I have not been able to commit myself fully.  One month later, that opportunity is before me.  Please pray that I don’t shrink back from the challenges ahead.

Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too.

A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way. I learned a deep respect for one of Goethe’s couplets:

Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it!

- W. H. Murray, from The Scottish Himalayan Expedition (1951)

I got into Grand Rapids, Michigan last night.  I had my first experience with bad weather on the motorcycle. The rain was pretty soaking and the wind was very unnerving at times, but I was really lucky.  There were tornado warnings in Kalamazoo (just to the east of my route) and thunderstorms all around me.  Yet somehow I seemed to avoid anything too serious.  I arrived at my friend Sara’s place as the rain was still coming down, apparently looking, as she described later.. “like a wet, soaking orphan”. =)

But God has been faithful.. so faithful.  Not only did I arrive safely to my destination but God has been moving powerfully in other ways this week.  The fundraising goals which have for so long.. seemed so daunting.. were finally reached last night!  The last pledge came in just before midnight… and the full amounts of both funds were raised.  Thank you so much to everybody who contributed.  Your support really does mean the world to me!  Thanks also to those who encouraged me along the way… helping to quell my many doubts and to believe that it was really possible.  It wouldn’t have happened without you.

So I’m on my way to Mars Hill here in Grand Rapids.  I had planned to leave this afternoon and cross into Canada but there are severe weather alerts all through Michigan.  I’ll likely stay here for another day and leave early tomorrow morning.  The weather is looking really good for Monday.. so now Toronto is just over the horizon.  I can’t believe I’m almost home.  =)