“FUN” is not a word I would associate with fundraising. However, “encouragement” “excitement” “humbled” would all be words I might set along side the word “raising“.
I have never enjoyed asking for help, nor do I like to admit that I need help. This process of fundraising was something I feared. I felt awkward of planning what it would look like. When applying for the Race, I knew this would be an obstacle. As Racers we fund our way through the entire journey. We raise funds to pay for the expenses of travel, board, food and the hopefully-not-needed health insurance. (Despite the common misconception we are not on a Race around the world to win 1 million dollars.) It was and still is a bit uncomfortable. It’s an aspect that I suppose I have to realize how God has already prepared a community to venture on this journey with me. He has already provided the people to pray and support me financially. It’s up to me though to open avenues and to see what He has prepared. And boy oh boy has it been incredible to see!
I continue to be asked “How’s fundraising going?” “Uh”…To be honest, I’ve allowed pride to get in the way at times and others I have allowed fear stop me. But,.. and this is a huge ‘but’.. I know I’m on the journey, it’s not done. I’m happy to say I have been humbled. I have been wrong. The uncomfortably of the beginning of fundraising has been met with excitement, encouragement, joy, celebration and caring individuals. I’m grateful for this process, although I wouldn’t have told you that a few weeks ago. And I know that this journey has already opened my eyes to how fundraising can actually in deed be fun. It can be FUN because of the response. It can be fun because the team for this journey is forming. It can be Fun because the more I see it, the more I recognize the different avenues it can go and how it comes about. It can be fun mainly because it looks a lot different than what I would have expected.
I am more than grateful and more than shocked to say I am 35% funded for this journey ahead. I have been blown away from the response I have gotten and the beginning of this journey. I know I still have work to do, there’s a lot for me to learn. That is something neat about the Race, the lessons start way prior to leaving for the first country. It’s amazing what love is communicated through family and friends’ reaction to receiving a letter or chiming in that they would like to join thus journey ahead.
Thank you for your support and making fundraising actually Fun! I cannot thank you enough for this support!
