Through the past several months I have learned several things about myself while learning to fundraise for this missions trip. To shorten this up a bit, I will share with you just a few..
1. I have learned that I am not as organized or on task as I thought I was. Let me just point out that when you lack any type of organization skills it becomes very difficult, and somewhat stressful, to come up with and set up fundraising activities.
2. I have learned that it is not as easy as it sounds to ask people for money. Honestly, who likes to ask people for money? When I first got accepted into the world race I was like well how hard can it be? HA. Wake up call Kait, it's not a simple task. Especially when you are used to depending on yourself for most things financially.
3. I have learned that stress comes quick, and out of no where. One day you can be like, "yeah I'm good, I got this covered!" The next day you turn around and stress is like,"Oh look at that, your plates almost empty! Let me throw a couple extra helpings of life on there for ya!" Basically, that's an exaggeration but nevertheless, life does happen and if you let it, it will consume you.
Now you may be asking yourself the question, just like I have in the past, where is the FUN in fundraising? Let me tell you..
1. It may take a lot of organization and work to set up a fundraiser, but the fun part is watching how God works! Through the entire process ASK GOD for His wonderful provision throughout your event. Ask God to supply all the materials or help you may need for the event. And graciously accept what He gives. it may not come in the abundance you would have liked, nor the preparation you thought BUT it will come. And when the fundraiser is over you can look back on what you've accomplished and SMILE. Realize, that only God could have caused that smile. How fun. 🙂
2. Asking people for money does suck. It probably always will, because you don't want people to think you can't do it on your own. NEWS FLASH, you can't! Not one single bit of this whole process has anything to do with you, but everything to do with our heavenly Father! He is the one that has put every single dollar in your account, no matter the amount. The fun part is watching Him provide in crazy, radical ways! For example, when money shows up in your account from people you haven't even talked to in ages and you know have their own financial priorities yet they still choose to answer Gods call to give. Or when an anonymous donor gives you money, and you're just like wow God! It is SO fun to see Gods love pour out through financial support from all those who want to see you succeed in Gods plan for your life!
3. Stress IS real yes, BUT SO IS GOD! It is not easy to let go of the wheel, and let God take control. But it is so fun when you do! When you ask God for an answer to a problem or a question, and you prepare to receive his word He will so evidentially speak to you! To me, that is fun. I had one experience where I was so overwhelmed with the entire realization of the world race, and I was begging God to give me confirmation and peace that this was my calling. I spent the next twenty minutes bawling on my knees. When I got up, I felt a huge weight lifted off my back and everything I had been holding onto had just been completely removed by Jesus Christ, and He answered my cry for closure!
So you see, fundraising may not always be easy, nor will it always go the way you want it to go, but when you let go of the reigns and open your eyes to the way God is already working within you and through you, that my friends is the FUN part.
With all this being said, I am also here to give you the latest news on my fundraising status! With just a few weeks left until second deadline, I have successfully reached my goal of $6,500! This means that I will be launching to Kenya with my team and squad mates in September! This also means that I can spend all of August working towards the third goal of $11,000 by December 1, 2013! And then $15,000 by March 1, 2014!
I want to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU to all my amazing , wonderful, generous, caring, and thoughtful supporters once again! I am beyond blessed! I would also like to ask you to keep me in your prayers. Just because I have enough to launch does not mean this is where my journey ends! There are stills funds to be raised, and lives to be touched! I love you all so much! 🙂
