Whenever I tell people about my up coming adventure, they seem to be so happy and excited for me. Until I tell them how much I have to raise for this to actually happen. $17000. Then their facial expression changes and the conversation becomes sort of awkward. But I feel the need to explain what’s going on in my head every time this happens. I start out with this feeling that is hard to explain. It’s like excitement and terror all in one. I then proceed to spit out all the fundraising ideas that I have thought of. You know, the classic car washes, bake sales, etc. I begin to think “can I actually make this happen?” When the moment of panic has come and gone, I realize that the “can I actually do this?” Isn’t the right question. 1 Peter 5:7 says “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” I need to keep reminding myself that I’m not in this alone and if God wants me to go He will provide every last penny. I think one of the hardest things about fundraising for me is actually asking people for money. Planning and organizing events is the fun part. But we are to humble ourselves before The Lord and then he will lift us up. (James 4:10) If everyone actually knew what the money was going to, I think they would feel better about giving. That’s why I encourage people to follow my blog, I plan on using it as much as possible to keep everyone up to date on what God’s doing through me on this adventure. I also have to remind myself that the money isn’t just going to me. Yes its technically going towards my basic needs and transportation during the year but it’s ultimately going toward furthering Gods kingdom. I will be going out to share the love of Jesus in a variety of tangible ways. That means each person that donates becomes a part of this journey of touching peoples lives and sharing Gods love. As I have been working hard to think of ideas to fund my trip, I have come to some giant obstacles. My biggest obstacle is being Canadian and raising money for an American organization. I’ve been turned away from some local fundraising programs and had to go back to the drawing board a few times. It definitely makes it ten times harder but I’m staying positive and working on some creative ideas to reach my goal. One thing I am being taught through this season is how thankful I truly am for all the donations I have received. Knowing that people are just giving to give blows me away. I can’t express how full my heart is when I receive each donation and how excited I am. God has some pretty amazing things planned for me even before my trip. So far I have been so blessed with donations from friends and family that have far exceeded my expectations. God is definitely continuing to work on me through this process. He’s reminding me why I’m doing this and reminding me to fully TRUST him. Sometimes it’s easier said than done, but I truly believe God will provide for me. He’s already working on friends and family through me and being able to see it thourgh fundraising is really cool to be a part of. Thank you to all that have donated already and if this is something God has placed on your heart I would appreciate any amount of donation. Also, if you have any creative fundraising ideas please send them my way. Thanks!! Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NIV) 7 “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. 8 They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
