This blog has taken me months to write, but I knew it was inevitable from the beginning.
I’ve always had a hard time asking for money because it means I have to humble myself and admit that I can’t do it myself. But I’m learning that God didn’t intend for me to live a life of self sufficiency that leads to isolation. He created a body made up of many different members in hope that we would support each other and work together to further His Kingdom. He gave us the gift of community. And I’m tired of operating outside His intended design.
So here it goes. I have some needs and wants that I’ve been sitting on, some for months. And I really need some help:
My free toothbrush from the dentist has started fanning it’s bristles from 6 months of continual use. I’m pretty proud that it’s lasted this long but I really need a new one.
I’m only on my second bottle of sunscreen for the trip, but this has resulted in several painful lessons. Less is definitely not more in this case, and I need to wear it more often.
I also need more bugspray. Without it, life is much more itchy.
Deodorant. Before I studied abroad I heard that it’s hard to find in other countries. That’s just not true. I’ve seen it everywhere we’ve been. But now I’m down to the plastic in my current stick and really need to get another. Thank you in advance from my teammates and everyone around me.
Toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap, razors and various other personal hygiene products: I have most of them at the moment, but unlike a TV or a lamp, toothpaste runs out and I’ve got 5 countries to go. I also need basic medicine, like antibacterial, anti-itch cream and bandaids.
I really need new clothes. If you’ve ever had daughters, you’ve probably heard this phrase used and abused, but in my case, it’s true! Month by month I’ve thrown away or given away clothes that are stained, torn, or worn out (some of them literally falling apart at the seams!), and I need to get some replacements.
I also need new shoes. I’ve worn my Croc sandals all day, every day, for the past 6 months. Which is great! However, if/ when they break, all I have left is some sweet tennis shoes, and only 3 socks left to wear in them.
A new pair of glasses. I lost mine in Nicaragua, month 2, and I would really like to be able to read the menu boards at fast food restaurants again.
Lastly, I need a small budget for unexpected expenses such as paying for laundry service when there is nowhere to hand-wash my clothes.
Here is a breakdown of my financial needs for the remaining 5 months of the World Race:
|
Sunscreen |
$50 |
|
Bugspray |
$50 |
|
Personal Hygiene |
$75 |
|
Medicine |
$50 |
|
Clothes |
$25 |
|
Shoes |
$5 |
|
Glasses |
$35 |
|
Miscellaneous |
$50 |
|
TOTAL |
$340 |
In addition to my needs I have also exhausted my fun/ leisure budget for the Race. As I prepared for the trip, I paid for many of my own immunizations and gear, totaling about $1,500. This was the majority of my personal savings after I had set aside money to pay back my student loans.
I came on the Race with about $1,000 in my personal budget for the year, but now in the middle of month 6 I’m down to about $50 left. Much of my personal budget has been used for the needs listed above during the first 6 months, as well as an unexpected doctors visit in Guatemala. As I continue on the Race, I would like to experience the unique aspects of the remaining countries, but I won’t be able to afford it without some help. I am asking for $150 per month for my personal spending. This money will go towards sightseeing and traveling on off days, postcards home, experiences such as riding an elephant or diving with sharks, buying journals to write in, eating out/buying snacks, coffee dates, and keepsakes/ small gifts for family and friends back home.
|
Leisure/ Personal Budget |
$150 per month |
|
TOTAL |
$750 |
The best way to help me meet these needs is through financial support to my personal bank account. This can be done by writing a check to my name that will be deposited by my Power of Attorney.
Please DO NOT support me through the World Race website: I do not have access to those funds as they are used to fund the trip itself.
If you are interested in supporting me financially, please contact me at: [email protected] and I will send you information on where to send checks and the status of my support raising.
Thank you in advance for your help and prayers! 🙂
~Michelle
