Hey guys!
So I've had some people ask some of the same questions recently, so I wanted to address them (to the best of my knowledge).
Questions #1- What are your financial deadlines for the race?
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- $150 Deposit – Due 6/27/2013 (2 weeks after your acceptance date.)
- $3,500 – Due 9/28/2013 (2 weeks before Training Camp)
- $7,500 – Due 12/18/2013 (2 weeks prior to your trip)
- $11,000 – Due 4/1/2014 (End of 3 months on the field)
- $15,500 – Total Due 7/1/2014 (End of 6 months on the field)
The cost of the trip actually went up a little due to a change in insurance carriers. The coverage is much better, but the total cost of the trip is $16,285. My hope & what I'm planning for is that I'll be able to save enough of my personal money to cover the difference. The benefit of the change is that racers can now fundraise for the cost of the insurance and the coverage is much much better.
Question #2- What does the total cost cover?
The $15,500 (or $16,286) covers traveling expenses from launch through the different countries, basic food in each country, and lodging while in each country. It also covers training camp and administrative fees.
Questions #3- What doesn't the total cost cover?
The total cost does not cover vaccines, medication, backpacks, tents, travel to launch, extra food while we're in each country (when we get homesick for fries or a snickers bar), outings, clothes, or all the "extras". It also doesn't cover bills while I'm gone (car insurance, car tax, student loan, etc). I'm focusing on saving for these things. I've learned to pray before I enter a store, "Please God, help me be wise with the money you've given me. Help me to make good choices." It is AMAZING how powerful that prayer is! Fun nail polish? NOPE. Cute t-shirt? NOPE. Cute shoes? NOPE. I love how God helps us with self control. It is definitely one of my favorite Fruits of the Spirit.
Question #4- What are you doing with your job &/or what are you going to do when you get back?
This is definitely the most common question(s) that I get. Unfortunately, the office where I work is small, so they won't be able to hold the job for me (as far as I know- I haven't announced that I'm going on the trip, so I don't know for sure). This was one of the hardest things to come to terms with. I love my job. I love my work family. I love the doctor I work with. I couldn't ask for a better work situation. I realized I had to be fully abandoned to God and what He was calling me to do. It took me a while to unclench my white knuckles and give this over to God.
As far as when I get back- I don't know. As of now, I'm hoping to get a position at my current job or within the larger company that owns my office. BUT God may tell me that I need to sell everything and move to Africa. While I'm hoping that's not the outcome (because I would miss family & friends so very much), I'm trying to let my heart be open to something like that.
Question #5- How can I/we pray for you? Is there anything else you need?
Aww, thanks! I'm so glad you asked. I definitely need some prayer. I know this coming year is going to be a major growing season. I am going to be pushed out of my comfort zone, which partially excites me & partially terrifies me. I am not a preacher. I have not had training and I definitely don't feel like I can organize my thoughts into something that someone can learn from. So while I probably (hopefully) won't be preaching/teaching/speaking on a regular basis, I'm sure it will happen some. If you could pray that I would get over my fears enough that I could be an effective vessel, that would be awesome!
Also, if you could pray for unity and a closeness in our groups, that'd be great. I have a hard time opening up to people- it usually takes me awhile. Pray that we as a group, would be vulnerable with each other and selfless with our love. I want people to be jealous of the way we love on each other. I want them to look on us & wonder how we can love each other so well. And then I want to be able to tell them that it's because of Jesus. That is one of my biggest desires for the fruit of our community. But I also hope that we're loving people outside the group that well because of what we're practicing with each other.
Other ways to help: If you'd like to give in a more tangible way, I still have some supplies left to get. I've gotten most of the larger items. But if you like to see exactly where your money is going to, just let me know. I'm hoping to cover these items, because I feel like I'm asking so much already.
So here's my question to you: How can I help you? How can I pray for you? I love me some prayer time & after some crazy awesome answered prayers, I pretty much feel like a Prayer Beast. I know that sounds a little conceited and I don't mean it that way. God has just got me so pumped by seeing how He answers prayers, that I can't wait to pray & see other prayers answered. So hit me.
I love you guys so much & I have been so blown everyone's generosity and how God is moving. If you want to hear more, I'd love to talk to you.
