it was the last day donations could be made that would make my account in time for the deadline and I was $200(ish) away from my amount needed. I had already come to terms that on the final day of the first deadline, if I didn’t have the required $3,500 in my account that God was pushing me back to launch in July instead of in January. But in a whirlwind of events people started texting, calling and messaging me telling me they have donated to my account and within 15 minutes I had *unofficially* met my deadline. I was in awe! just seeing people step up and give and watching god move, it was really an indescribable feeling. I was overwhelmed and so excited that I almost didn’t even know what to do.
I knew from what people had told me that I had met the $3,500 but when I checked my account I had $4,120! $680 MORE than what I needed for that first deadline! HOLY COW. my heart had such a rush of joy, excitement and peace all at once. I honestly couldn’t believe it. Since day 1 of the “pre world race” days, I have not doubted that this is where I am suppose to be, but considering this is such a big preparation/process, sometimes it doesn’t feel like the day to launch is ever going to get here. so seeing my account balance was exactly what I needed to remind me that yes, I am in fact right where God wants me.
while I’m overjoyed and extremely grateful for meeting my first deadline the fundraising, prayer and preparation doesn’t stop now! I have just THREE months until I leave for my first country and I have SO much left to do!
my next financial deadline is December 18th and I have to have another $4,000 raised. that would bring me to $7,500 of the $16,242 for the total cost of the trip. along with that I have to finish purchasing the gear that’s needed for the 11 months as well as the vaccines that are required.
I am realizing now how important it is to have people who are willing to help, guide and prepare me for every aspect of this trip. so what’s next??
1. organizing a prayer team — I know there are many people out there who have been consistently praying for me (to which I can’t thank you enough!) but now I’m asking people to step up and join a “formal” prayer team dedicated to my world race needs. if this is something you want to be apart of, get ahold of me in the comments below, through my email ([email protected]) or if you’re a personal friends/acquaintance or family member then you already have ways to contact me 🙂 I’m hoping to get this rolled out within the next week or so.
2. benefit night/trivia night/ etc– I’m TERRIBLE at planning these things. I mean, I literally have no idea where to begin. I know I have some super crafty friends so if you want to find ways to help me on this journey, this could be a great way to do so! I need people who can help me plan and orchestrate some benefit/trivia/bingo fundraisers to help meet this second financial deadline. I can use any/all help so please contact me if this is something you want to do!
3. finishing up buying my gear. I have had most of my gear purchased for me (a HUGE thank you to everyone who helped make that possible!) but there are a few more items that I’m in need of. they range from cheap to kind of pricey items so if you don’t have a lot to spend but want still want to help me out, there are items that you can purchase off my registry! click this link —>http://www.myregistry.com/wishlist/Leslie-Mifflin-Troy-IL/714624 to check out what I still need to get. beware- I’m sure i’ll be adding to this list after I get back from camp and see what else I need!
4. vaccines- oh geez. this one is a doozy. I did not realize how incredibly expensive some of these shots were! I went and saw a nurse at passport health (awesome place, btw. if you are planning on traveling and want to consult a travel doctor, check these guys out! SO friendly) we went over shots that were required and/or highly recommended the price came out to over $900. I told her that if God is calling me out there then surely he wouldn’t let me get bit by a mosquito carrying one of these diseases…..lol. I know god will provide the funds for the shots needed for this trip because Lord knows I don’t have that amount of money right now! if donating to help me get these vaccines is a way you want to contribute, you can do so in a couple different ways. you can send me money directly or through paypal and just let me know that the amount given is to go towards the shots.
5. opportunities to speak about my trip –I can’t believe I’m actually putting this down but I’m looking for opportunities to talk to churches, youth groups, random people on the street about my journey. I want to get others involved in what I’m doing and where God has called me. as a part of fundraising, I’m hoping to speak at different churches and pray that god opens their hearts to donate to my race.
I think this is majority of my to-do list…for now. these next steps are ones that put me WAY out of my comfort zone but, I told God I would follow where He lead me and I intend to do just that. even if it does make me uncomfortable :p at this point I’m pretty much just going with the flow and taking it one day at a time. I appreciate the outpouring of love and support from everyone and I pray that you are all blessed tenfold by helping further my calling!
here’s a list of ways to donate and/or get ahold of me–
* my personal email is- [email protected] and I check it regularly
* “support me” tab on this blog takes you to where you can donate online
* if you want to mail a check, make sure it has my first and last name in the memo so it gets to my account and mail it to:
Adventures in Missions
P.O. Box 742570
Atlanta, GA 30374-2570
* online registry for gear I still need —http://www.myregistry.com/wishlist/Leslie-Mifflin-Troy-IL/714624
* if you’d rather give via paypal my email for that is [email protected]
as always, if you have any questions or want to talk more one on one about this journey, don’t hesitate to contact me! and if you are someone who is reading blog after blog of upcoming/current/former racers and you have questions about any of it, please message me! I was once doing exactly what you’re doing and I would love to give you some insight!
thank you and god bless you all!
X
