So there is this phase that Z squad likes to throw around,
The Struggle is Real. It is a way for
us to acknowledge the existence of struggles we have that are specific to the
Race and normally not fully understood by outsiders. For example, in Africa, someone might say, my
chitenje wont stay wrapped and my knees keep showing. Someone else would respond with the struggle
is real. Or how about in Asia, when you
need to go to the bathroom, the first thing you do is ask around for toilet
paper because you know there wont be any in the actual bathroom. The struggle is real. And finally, when you
at the end of a month of ministry and realized that you wore the same two
outfits the entire time because you didnt have access to a washing
machine. The struggle is real.
As you can tell, there are a lot of random struggles on the
Race that you probably dont have to experience on a daily basis. Which trust me, you should be thankful for. J However, there are a few struggles that most
of you can actually relate to. For example,
there is the cost of shampoo and soap.
No the rumors arent true. World
Racers do actually shower on a regular basis, well most months at least. And lets not forget about the importance of
deodorant. (We really go through a lot of that thankfully.) And then all those disposable razors you
packed, well they are all gone by month 7 along with your last new toothbrush. So
basically when you think about it, we have to spend a lot of personal money most
months just to live as semi clean human beings.
Then you have to add food to the mix. What most of you dont know is the World
Racers are only given the equivalent of about $5 USD a day for food from the
money we raised. Which when you think
about it, doesnt really last long unless you are able to pull all your money
together as a team and cook every meal.
Which is almost impossible to do because, fun fact, we rarely know what
our ministry contact is going to have us do each day. So basically, Racers tend to have to spend a
lot of personal money on food for meals as well as the ever important snacks
and coffee.
So why am I telling you all of this? Honestly, its because I have had to spend a
lot more money on personal hygiene and food than I would ever have guessed
these past 7 months. And my personal
bank account is starting to get low. And
when my bank account gets low, I have to start deciding what is more important,
shampoo for the month or going to ride an elephant through the jungle. And if you know me, I will probably lean more
towards the elephant riding. (Which
would just be mean to my teammates and other people who have to work around
me).
As my family and friends, Im having to come before you and
ask once again for you to consider helping to financially support me. It may be in a way that you wouldnt normally
think about. But I can promise you,
missionaries need to eat and shower too.
We are just like you despite our location in this world.
So how can you support me? Saying Im currently in Thailand,
it would probably be easiest to mail a check to my parents house addressed to
me. Then my mother can deposit the check
into my personal bank account that will then allow me to shower and eat in
Thailand. Isnt technology great!
If you dont have my parents address or have any questions,
please feel free to email me at [email protected].
Thank you so much for all of your continued support this
last year. You are the reason that I am
able to go out into this world and do crazy things for the Lord. Know that I will never be able to truly thank
you enough.
I love you.
