What am I even doing ?

Hello, As some of y’all know, I have been traveling the world, living in Gainesville and doing many different things. 

I wanted to share this as a raw and honest moment. In 2020 I decided to do the World Race. I decided also then that I fully wanted to dedicate my life to the Lord and start learning more about the Lord and who He really is. I grew up knowing the Lord but didn’t understand his love. 

Durning the race, I was met with a lot of challenges and a lot of grace. When I stated the race there were 2 things. One. I had no idea what I signed myself up for.  Realized that after someone helped me set up my tent and then had the realization that I live in a tent or live overseas. And two, didn’t realize what it was like to live in community. Where I can be me in.  When 20+ people will see me have endless dance parties to crying by the porta pottys or saying I want to quit the race 20+ times. (thank you jodi for always telling me no lol) 

Then comes to summer. I am now transitioning from a Christ based community to a community where it’s hard to transition to. When I came home from the race a lot of people said I had changed. And I didn’t get it at first. But then realized I have experienced things some people may never know or do. I had the honor and privilege to get to see Jesus’s heart break for people who have been sex trafficked. Or people who’s homes are made out of branches. But I also got to see the goodness in the Lords heart and redemption.  Of course I have changed, I have now also starting growing into maturity. Learning what healthy friendships look like and healthy feedback. 

Now this doesn’t mean my summer was a blast. This is when vulnerability comes into play. When I came home from the race, I was grieving so much that I didn’t talk to the Lord for two months. I wasn’t following the Lord. I knew the Lord was chasing after me but I didn’t want that. I wanted the Lord to leave me the heck alone!! 

Then we come into July. I remember I had seen my teammate Esther in TJMAXX and she asked if I was going to PSL. for those who don’t know PSL is an event where the squad comes together and debriefs the race and just hangs out. I told her mmm nooo. But my teammate vivian begged me to come, so then the day before I decided to go. 

During this time, A lot of people were asking what I was doing after the race. The plan was college. So many people had recommended Center For Global Action. I definitely did not want to do CGA. The Lord in January called me to it but kept shoving it to the side. I was quite angry. Then I had a lovely talk with Ben Able. And if you know Ben, he is person who is over Center for Global Action. He is a very kind and straight to the point person. Anyways. We had a conversation and it went well… Lol.  I definitely was very uh. Sassy lol. And showing a lot of hurt and pain.  Then,I applied but didn’t apply in the best way lol. I answered questions with one word answers about deep questions. Then just how lovely. A week before everything Ben texts me telling me I have been accepted to CGA what does fundraising look like. What a lovely morning text to wake up to. I had lots of questions. The Lord reminded me of how in April I was in Guatemala and was having a conversation with who is my now house mentor MADIE HANNI!!!   Plot twist. I know I know. Surprise i’m living in her house now??

Come to August 6. Move in day!! When I moved in I was so excited to be here. I live in Gainesville now in a house with 11 other people. 11 People who love me regardless of how i’m feeling. Who will laugh with me, who will stay up til 1AM holding me while I cry or am upset.

Being a part of a community and a place has made me feel so loved and wanted. It’s been amazing to be chosen into and poured into. I have never felt unsafe in this house i’m living in. I live in an environment that will draw me closer to the Lord and call me higher. But also laugh with me and scream All Too Well with me. Or where if anyone has car trouble. Don’t worry Derek is on the way.(P;S Derek taught me how to change oil on a car).  Derek and Madie this season has shown me what it’s like to be pursed in a marriage and a healthy relationship. I have never been uncomfortable around them or anything. Derek and Madie you are the best. I love living at the Hannis !! You guys pour into us so well. You are like our Mom and Dad and have created a safe environment for me. 

Now: Here comes the tears. To: Madie,Derek, Piper,Reagan, Jen,Carissa,Milly, Brookie, Aby, Hailey and Gracie. You guys have shown me real genuine love. I know I say I love you and thank you for ALWAYS being here for me. When my mom died. You guys never left my side and still haven’t. You showed me what it’s like to be cared for and not feel like a burden. I have never felt genuine love like this before. And am so thankful I have chosen to choose in and also so happy we all have chosen into each other. I am thankful that i feel comfortable to come to Haileys   door at 1AM crying. Or falling on the floor and not feel shame. I am so thankful that we get to sit in celebration but also do the hard things together. That we get to have fun at house dinner, but also be here to talk to. Thank you seems like an understatement. Not me crying now though so anyways. LOVE YALL GROVE GALS??(Ps Madie and Derek you cannot get rid of our photos everywhere in the house.)

I am so thankful the Lord blessed me with The Grove. 

Here is now where I am asking for you and your support. I am currently at 700$ in my fundraising for 5,900$. I need to be fully funded by december 11 so I can stay. Next year if I get fully funded I will continue to live here in community and be my healthiest person. And walk with the Lord. My goal has always been to be happy and healthy spirituality,mentally and physically. And being in this community I truly am. In middle school and some of high school I struggled deeply with depression and not surrounding myself with genuine friends. Now that I am in a safe environment I finally feel safe. Yes I do have my days where i’m sad even now with the loss of my mom. But never have I felt like I couldn’t knock on anyones door. And I have and  they just hold me or ask what do i need. They also always draw me to the Lord in a loving way. They don’t shove any specific religion down my throat or anything. literally. they just love me like Our Lord loves. 

In order to stay I need 5,200$ to stay. I am trusting and praying that the Lord will provide this and staying faithful. I would love if you would partner with me in this walk and thank you for always reading my letters, and supporting me in any way. 

If you feel it on your heart to support me there are a few ways you can. 

1.) The most important. Prayer. Prayers for my heart, my house and my class. Prayers that we get fully funded. 

2.) You can donate to my direct link right here. It will also take you to my blog site where I have written blogs there.    Gabrielle Gansle’s Blog | The World Race Mission Trip

You can donate where it says in the orange button donate !! It is tax deductible as well!! 

Also, I have venmo. In two days we have raised 200$. Praise God. Also I want to emphasize the WE. You played a part in this as well. 

( As well, If you donate 5$ or more. That’s right 5$!!. I will put you in a random generator to win a 25$ Gift Card to wherever your heart desires. With gas going up and everything. That gift card could be a gas gift card. Or a chick fil a gift card or whenever!!)

3.) Share this! Share this with your neighbor, your aunt susie or a co worker. This is also a testament or Gods faithfulness and how he has a plan for everything rather we see it or not. You never know who needs to hear the Lords faithfulness. 

 

I want to thank you guys for reading this long blog. It is very honest and real from me. 

I am here if you want to hear more information or have any questions or just want to catch up!!

My number is (469) 203-5003) 

[email protected]

donation link-https://www.adventures.org/give/donate.asp

 

 

Thank you friends.

Much love. 

Gabs