When I signed up for the Race I was hesitant because I didn’t want to do this thing we call fundraising yet again. It seems that the last three years of my life have been all about preparing for the next trip and praying that God will come through. Every time He does, yet, I still worry and complain. This time around is a little different because first of all it is a heck of a lot more money but it’s also almost a year of my life. I am looking at having to come up with about $20,000 for all the things I need to make this year a reality. But again, God is faithful. I will not worry.
I want you guys to be on this journey with me. I want to be open and transparent with the way I am feeling, with my needs and just the thankfulness in my heart. There’s been many things in the past few months that have been so encouraging that I want to share with you.
First is my job. I am a server/bartender at Boulder Dam Brewing Co. and the past few months have been overly busy to the point that my weekends have been filled with working 8+hr shifts. It has been wearing me out but what is good about this is that it is preparing me financially for this trip. I am able to pay my bills, budget myself and SAVE. Serving is also an awesome platform for me to share what I am doing in September and allow me to support me that I would never meet any other way. People are being extra generous in their tipping and my Pub family has truly come beside me on this journey to encourage me and help me out. I am so thankful for my family opening up this Brewery and allowing me to play such a part in it.
Another thing that was encouraging in just this past 20 days was my online fundraiser. People that I never even imagined to donate were donating and it was filling me up with so much encouragement. If you donated to that fundraiser please know that my heart was so encouraged by it. I made the fundraiser knowing that it might not get any donations but went out on a limb anyways and was so happy to find the outcome. Every donation and note that I received made me smile no matter how big or how small you thought it was. It made my heart happy. Although I did not reach my desired goal through the online fundraiser I did surpass the goal with off-line donations!!! Not only did I get $2,300 from the online fundraiser but also received $2,050 from generous friends, customers, and family because they saw the fundraiser up on Facebook. Oh and my tax return! (Thank goodness for taxes ;)) It’s truly been amazing to see all the support, love, and encouragement from everyone and I cannot wait to see the goal completely met.
So here is an official update on my funding. *drum roll* Right now I have $7,850!!!! That means that I am 51% funded!!!!! WOW! This is pretty amazing if you ask me. In 20 days your generous donations and love made this happen!! So I just want to thank you! I want to thank you for believing in me, supporting me and encouraging me. This past 20 days I received more encouraging notes, texts, and face book posts than I ever have before. I seriously love my support team. I cannot wait to go on this trip mostly because of everyone that I have back home. You guys are the reason that I get to do what I do & thank God daily for putting each one of you in my life.
Thank you for loving me & loving well.
