The race is more than I (or my parents) bargained for. It’s been by far one of the most special and important years of my life. I have had the opportunity to see and do things I couldn’t even dream of if I tried. I have seen wonders of the world, I have cried in awe at the beauty of creation, I have served the hurt and hungry around the globe and seen first hand and lived among the persecuted church.
Another thing I didn’t bargain for was being asked month 1 to serve my squad on the leadership team. I have spent 11 months serving as the Squad Finance Coordinator. This means that I help train and support all team treasurers and coordinate payment for things such as “all squad months” where all teams are together. I have also spent 8 months as a team treasurer. Treasurers diligently keep track of their team finances and budgets. We communicate and build relationships with hosts and are responsible to accurately pay for all ministry expenses. We then put in time logging all receipts and expenses.Finance Coordinator and Team Treasury has been 2 huge ministries that I have had the privilege to serve in on my race along with the full time ministry I have served in each month.
As amazing as this year of service has been, it has also been a sacrifice. It’s not cheap to travel the world as a missionary, many of you know this because you helped me raise the money to go. For that I am so grateful, however, I have found traveling the world costs a little more than I imagined. I have had most things covered through fundraising such as intercontinental plane tickets, bus tickets, housing for ministry, transportation in town to ministry, and a $3-$5 food budget per day. However, I have found that the race comes with a lot of extra expenses such as shampoo, soap, sunscreen, water, adventures, taxis, laundry, other food (because $3 for 3 meals doesn’t work unless you eat only street food), parasite medicine if you do eat street food, coffee, replacing ripped and tarnished clothes, blessing others, church donations, etc.
While the extra expenses have been a struggle and an extra stress I have realized rather late in the race that it has been a stress because I have struggled asking the body of Christ to support me in these extra expenses. I am thankful to those who have seen my need and supported me with donations along the way, but I have realized that by not asking forwardly this year I have in a way secluded myself and not given people a chance to invest in my life and the ministry that God has me doing to serve my squad, ministries abroad and when I get home. So here I am, convicted of my pride and asking forwardly for those who feel led to help me meet my needs.
I have only one month left on the field! But when I get home I will be quickly transitioning into my teaching career and moving into my first apartment in the month of July! Woohoo! So my needs for this month and my transition home include the following:
After 11 months of serving the squad on squad leadership, the other 6 leaders and I have been given a week to rest, reflect, and bond. Though we have been given permission for a leadership retreat, our fundraising doesn’t cover it. We will be doing this retreat in Cartagena, Colombia, which is a $50 bus ride away. If you wold like to support me in this opportunity I will need $300 to cover hostels, transportation, food, and a few adventures. This will be taking place next week.
I could use support for everyday items through out the remaining month. Just to get a cup of coffee, a last dinner with my team, breakfast at the airport, etc.
I am also believing for support in transitioning into the next phase of life back in the states. I am in need of support in paying starting months rent, setting up house, light bills, water bills, setting up a classroom and whatever else grownups have to pay for! Most teachers don’t get paid until September so I am anticipating a few months gap between starting my job and getting an income stream.
If you feel led to support me my last few weeks on the field or as I transition off the mission field abroad to my mission field at home, you can do that a few ways.
- Use the Venmo app to send me support. My user name is: @CarlaDunn4
- Send a check! If you prefer to send a check then email me at [email protected] and I will give you an address to send my parents who will get your support to me quickly!
Thank you all for your prayers and support!
