I've learned I will do backward flips and somersaults for a donation. Here are some other things I've learned in the morphing process of becoming support based…
1) My mathematical skills must be spot on. Considering I once tried to buy 90 gift certificates at $20 each and thought the total should be $180, not $1800 is not a good start. I've found carrying a calculator is vital.
2) When they serve food, I eat. Each meal I go back for 2nd and 3rd helpings. There are two reasonings for this. One, food "could" be sparse next year. Two, I have no money these days for even the dollar menu.
3) I do not have the voice of a canary. Period. Though for a donation? Heck yes I will serenade you. I should forewarn, I thought I sounded like Mariah Carey when I was in high school. I sang one of her songs for my friends…their doubled of laughter told me I sound nothing like her.
4) Wedding gifts are becoming quirky and unique. I'm missing 5 weddings so far in this next year. What used to be an easy online purchase at Pottery Barn is now an interesting and endearing journey of gifting each couple. Homemade is taking on a whole new meaning.
5) Public speaking is becoming a norm. For someone who used to feel socially awkward in large group settings, the Holy Spirit has been doing work. Rarely do I go somewhere that I don't pop up, state my name and where we're going next year. Its like guns blazin, full steam ahead these days.
6) I dont hesitate playing the little brother card. No shame here. Connor and our cousin Zachary sat all day in the hot sun over Memorial Day Weekend raising money for his sister to go to Africa. They did a great job and I gifted them with high fives and big fat kisses.
7) No matter what the sale, I say no. It used to be, no matter what was on sale, I'd buy it. Definitely took retail therapy to a whole new level. These days I just look the other way. Out of sight, out of mind.
8) Knowing the names of your supporters is very important. In college I thought Montario Hardesty (RB for UT) was named Ontario and proceeded to call him that all semester. When my boyfriend at the time found out, he was beyond mortified.
9) I am not ashamed to ask for help. I need your help! If you feel it in your heart to donate, $.10, $10, $100, $1000 whatever it is will be a HUGE blessing and incredibly appreciated! No, I won't be able to send you a lavish thank you gift, but I will be sooo grateful. If you're poor as dirt like me, then your prayers would be JUST as appreciated!
10) In return, I promise to pray for you, love on you and talk to you. I'll send blog updates of ways God is working in the villages we are in. I'll post pictures of the kids we meet and love on. I might even post videos of my team doing happy dances as Jesus saves hearts for His Kingdom! Andd I swear I'll shower as often as we have water. I can't promise I won't get dreads though because I'm pretty fascinated with them at the moment, but let's get real, I probably won't do that to my hair…justtt kiddin!
Feel free to look to the left, click on "Support Me" and share some love. But whatever you decide, don't forget to get on those knees and pray! I need all the prayers I can get these days. Thanks a bunch, y'all!
