I struggle with this. I really hate bringing it up. But, I want to explain it from my point of view.
Fundraising. When I applied for the race I was pretty overwhelmed with the idea if raising $15,500. People kept telling me that it was totally possible. I’ve seen it in action, I know that it is possible. So back in July I sent out fundraising letters. I debated who to send them to. I didn’t want to bug people or ask people I’m not close to for money. I didn’t want them to see it as asking for a handout.
I was so blown away by how many people supported me. It was the first time that I thought this goal was attainable.
But now, on the race, it is a whole different ball game. On one hand fundraising is harder. The only way I can talk to people is email or facebook. It is so much easier at home, sitting down over a meal, explaining what I want to do. On the other hand, now I can not only tell people what I want to do, but what I am doing.
Month one we stayed with a family in Honduras that takes kids in from dangerous situations. We lead devotionals for the kids in the morning, we taught English, and we helped to clean and organize the house they had recently moved into that had been vacant for over 5 years. We helped clean and clear out an overgrown tilapia pond, so that they can raise tilapia and sell them for a source of income. We also helped them host a retreat weekend for about 70 kids from all different places. We played games, sang worship songs, and at the end of the weekend 11 kids gave their lives to Christ.
Month two our whole squad was together. We stayed in our tents on a medical compound. We were in a little town in Guatemala that wasn’t very used to Americans, let alone 44 of us usually traveling in large groups. We worked on a hillside, pulling weeds and leveling the land so in the future they could build a church there. We also spent time in the hospital stock rooms helping prepare sterile bandages.
Month three my team had a special assignment. Unsung Heroes. We spent the month seeking out and meeting people serving the country of El Salvador. We spent time with many different missionaries, getting to know them and share their stories. Then we connected them with the AIM office back home so that they can partner with them in the future.
Month four after traveling 80.5 hours we got to Bulgaria. There we stayed with John and Jane. They are from Canada and God has given them hearts for Bulgaria. They own a house there and they want to turn it into a retreat center. We helped them replace windows, weedwack, paint, and chop wood, just to name a few things. While we were there we also got to share what God has done and is doing in our lives at some local churches.
Month five we are in Albania. We are staying at a Christian summer camp, getting it ready for it’s up coming season. So far we have cleared been tasked with painting. Everything. This includes every white wall we see. Our bedrooms, outside, along curbs, and my favorite, the pig pens. Cleaning and painting the pig pens has been my favorite job so far. I am now an excellent pig herder, but mostly I like this job because it is the least desirable. Everyday I am super stinky and covered in a mixture of paint and pig poop. It has been such a great way to serve the rest if my squad mates here that don’t want this job.
So this is what we really do. When you decide to help financially support me, this is what you are giving to. Acts of service in all different ways. Smiles and hugs to strangers who don’t understand the words we speak. Thank you to all who have already supported me. Please continue to pray for funding, for the ministries we work with, and for the people we encounter. Right now I need $3,500 to be fully funded. My deadline is July 1st. Please prayerfully consider joining me in this journey.
Thanks for listening and making the F word a little less scary.
