Lies, all lies! OK not all, but there is a slight adjustment I would like
to express to future racers. I don't know how many of you reading this are
future racers, but I'm writing it anyways because it could be useful for
world travelers alike. There is a blog AIM likes to send out to future
racers about what to bring on the race. In this blog it explains how you
should want to detach yourself from western society and live this year on
faith. All this is true. Then it talks about how much money to bring on the
race with you. This blog says you should only need about $100 per month to
be comfortable and a significant portion of the $100 goes to buying
internet time.
Let me correct this statement for AIM. Even though I have only been in the
field for 4 months, I can tell if you are going to be spending time in
southeast Asia, $100 a month won't work. Coming from the west, we are used
to a diet of at least 2000 calories a day, but when you get over seas a
daily 1000 calories is good. This means your body will lose weight, lose
energy and lose its ability to fight off sickness because it is fighting
for nutrition. Internet is everywhere, so don't worry about spending tons
on internet. It may not be great, but you will be able to access internet
everywhere, and when you do pay for it, it is cheap. Most often you will be
spending money on food, fun and favours.
The places you go on the race tend to feed you well, but nothing your body
is used to, and generally low on protein. Be prepared to sustain on peanut
butter which isn't cheap. Plus you will go crazy if you never eat something
familiar, even if it is a little more expensive. Fun consists of all the
insanely cool stuff these countries have to offer which most often your
ministry contacts plan into your schedule. However, most of the really cool
stuff is also the really touristy stuff which tends to be expensive. Please
do not be the person who thinks they will be fine without doing all the fun
stuff and won't regret it later. You will most likely hate life if you go
to 11 countries and don't take advantage of the wonders God places before
you. If you feel convicted about it, don't. You are here for ministry, and
hopefully you adopt the world race life of living ministry. This means, it
is OK to have a fun day and see cool stuff instead of kissing babies
because it is still possible for you to minister at a zoo or while riding
an elephant too. God wants you to enjoy life and enjoy doing His work. If
He wanted us to be miserable Jesus slaves, no one would ever be a
Christian. Third is favours, which is your party favours aka the trinkets
you pick up in every country. Again don't think you won't because you will.
Besides, a dollar elephant figurine makes for a great gift to your
supporters.
So here is the breakdown. $100 dollars a month in Asia, unrealistic. $150 a
month is possible but don't be surprised if you hit $200 a month in Asia.
As far as Africa, Europe, South America or Australia, I haven't a clue, but
I will update you when I know more. But here is the moral of the story. Do
yourself a favour and don't be like many of us and be completely broke by
the end of month six. Believe me, it kind of sucks knowing after six
months, all fun is going to stop.
As He leads me,
Jason
