A fellow World Racer, Dan and I are in a similar situation. Both of us applied and were accepted to the Race the week of training camp. Needless to say we have quite a bit of ground to cover with fundraising as most of our teammates have been fundraising for months. This leaves us 2 solid months to get moving. Dan wrote a really awesome blog on sacrifices he is making to go on this trip and letting his supporters know he is 100% committed to the Lord’s work. It was very inspiring.
In the same spirit I’d like to take some time to share with you all some expense related stuff. I hope this helps to inform those already supporting me, and those considering supporting me and gives you a better picture of where your money is going.
I am attempting to raise $15,000 to include coverage of my international health insurance, vaccinations and travel to our launch point. However, $13,800 is what is needed to cover my expenses for the year I’m on the mission field. One of the biggest components of this trip is living amongst those we serve; meaning I’m leaving behind conveniences. My teammates and I will be given $11 a day to live which pays for lodging, food and transportation. It seems crazy that $11 will suffice when I now so easily pay that much for one meal. I’m telling you this so my supporters are aware I will not be living extravagantly this year, your money is helping me serving those in great need, and in turn I will be living right there beside them.
As I mentioned, I need $13,800 for the year I’m gone. I need $9,000 of that in my account by August to be able to leave for Ireland. The remainder of the money can be raised while on the field. Ideally, I’d love to have all the money raised by the time I leave, as it will be much harder to fundraise from another country. But it’s all about baby steps now.
My teammate, Dan, also took time to discuss some personal sacrifices he is making. I thought that was a great example. I’ve spent a lot of time in the past few weeks thinking of ways to raise money for the trip. I’ve prayed about it and I knew the Lord wanted me to make some personal sacrifices. Here are some things I’m doing for the Race:
- I just graduated from college, and every penny of graduation money has gone to purchasing gear and funding the Race.
- I am living at home with my parents for the summer so I’m not paying rent
- I am selling my car.
- I have a summer job; I’m not just sitting around begging for money. Earnings will go toward the trip as well.
- I am taking money from my savings to help fund my trip.
- I’ve also been going through my stuff and selling stuff on Ebay for extra money.
