I know that we are to be accountable for everything we do in this life, including how we spend our money! I have broken down the expenses of my trip and pray that you will continue to prayerfully support this ministry! I pray you are at better peace and excitement to see how your money and support is building for the future and betterment of the kingdom!
To cover a trip completely overseas is undoubtedly expensive. However, it is not as bad as you might think. Before I begin, let me explain what it includes:
Airfare: This includes eleven to thirteen plane trips all across the globe. Roundtrip to the Philippines alone is about $1600 according to Orbitz.com.
Other transportation: Not only does my trip include airfare, but also other methods of transportation. Airport and ministry site could be eight to ten hours away by bus or boat. This also includes daily commuting if applicable.
Everyday expenses including lodging, food, and purified water. For the most part, we will be living out of huts and tents year round. Nevertheless, we will still need food and purified drinking water for everyday.
Medical care: we will have medical care and supplies available to us if we need them. For larger and more serious emergencies, we will have our international medical insurance. (Explained later)
Ministry supplies:small items used during ministry like bibles, pens, flyers, small tools and other miscellaneous items. It also covers administrative, setup, coaching, debrief, and training costs prior to and at the start of the Race. All the things mentioned above are included in the Worldrace price package with totals $15,500. That is on average $1400 a month including airfare!
Other cost that I will need for the Race include:
International Medical Insurance (as mentioned earlier). This is a requirement on top of my health insurance I have now. I will be getting coverage from Good Neighbor Insurance that includes: at least $500,000 in total coverage, at least a $500 deductible and an emergency medical evacuation. This is anywhere from $350-$550 for the whole year.
Money each month: While the Race does include all my vital necessities, it does not include personal spending money that I will need while there. We are only allowed to bring a thirty pound pack, so, I will have to purchase personal grooming items every month. I will be able to communicate back and forth through blogging, emails and skype, so, I will have to pay for extra internet time. Of course, there are the souvenirs and fun adventures that will be along the way. Keep in mind that I am choosing a lifestyle of abandonment. Overspending personal money will interrupt that lifestyle. I plan on bringing a moderate amount of $100-$150 per month. That is about $1375 for the year.
Gear and travel:I will need to purchase dependable equipment to last me everyday for an entire year. I need an internal frame backpack, tent, bedding, daypack and personal items. This should only cost around $250-$300 for quality equipment.
As a racer, I have to go to training camp for about ten days. I will be traveling to my training site (that is thankfully in Gainsville, Georgia!) from home. Need a few expenses to be covered for that such as gas and meals. This is estimated to cost around $200. I will also need to pay for my vaccinations. Both gear and travel should be approximately $500.
Fundraising Cost:I hate to spend money to make money, but, that is a reality of fundraising. Between stamps, promotional materials, letters, gas commuting to churches to speak and gain sponsors, and raw materials, I estimate the initial fundraising cost to being about $150-$200. I will save all receipts for every purchase made.
Total trip costing about: $18,125…
This is how, where and why supporting this ministry is so important!
I want you to be fully confident how your money will be used!
If you have ANY questions, concerns or comments about my finances, the trip or expenses, I welcome them gladly! You are welcome to leave comments here (follow instructions below), email me at [email protected] or feel free to call me up!
(706)-773-4442. I know money is tight everywhere so I do not want you to have any doubt how your support will be used. I also want you to know that you are not only blessing me, but you are blessing hundreds and thousands of people all across this world with your ministry in support and prayer!…. Even greater, you are blessing the Lord who will not leave your obedience unrewarded. God will bless you as well! Trust Him. He is in control and He will provide for you!
Remember, you can donate today by going to my homepage and under my profile picture, there is a tab called "Support me!" and you can follow the instructions there to make a (tax credited, God pleasing) donation!
Thank you and God bless!
In His Hands,
Amy AM Colley
