Today was a really, really big day!
Today was the day I became…
Fully Funded!!!
That's right! I have not only met, but surpassed my fundraising goal of $15,500!
I am so deeply thankful.
I am thankful for donations that far exceeded any expectations.
I am thankful for a community that not only gives money, but also encourages me, asks questions, and seeks to get involved in my race.
I am thankful that I will be able to be fully present on the mission field without trying to continue to raise support to stay. This is a rare gift. Many racers continue raising funds while on the field. Thank you for that gift!
I am thankful for the peace God gave me about the funds from day one… and I am thankful that He was faithful to provide just like He promised.
I am thankful for the opportunity to go all around the world to share Jesus's love on your behalf and then share what happens on this blog for you to see.
I am thankful for all of the moments in the past 9 months where I checked my fundraising account and felt humbled or amazed or thankful or excited, all of the moments that I cried or laughed or danced or smiled or prayed quiet prayers of thanksgiving.
Fundraising has been an adventure in its own right. God has used it to show me that He doesn't need my help at all. He has shown me that He is inviting me to watch Him work miracles in my life and the lives around me. He has shown me what it means to give beyond what is expected of you with a cheerful heart. He has taught me about divine encounters and the value of community. He has taught me all of this and more… and I haven't even left my hometown yet.
Thank you for all you've done. Without your financial support, I wouldn't have the funds necessary to serve God on this whirlwind adventure. Without your spiritual and emotional support, I wouldn't have the courage to show up in Atlanta and get on the plane.
Because of you, my life will never be the same. Know that your support will change many lives all around the world, but also know that it's already changed one forever– mine.
With all those big "thank you"s being said (although they still don't feel adequate!), here is the scoop on where I am now…
The $15,500 covered training camp, launch training, travel expenses, housing (when I'm not in a tent), small food budget ($4 a day), and ministry expenses. This is the amount that I am required by Adventures in Missions to raise in order to stay on the field for the 11 months.
There are some additional expenses that I pay for out of my own pocket:
-Travel Insurance ($785)
-Camping Gear (approximately $1000)
-Vaccinations and Medications (approximately $1000)
-Small Monthly Budget of $100-200/month for additional expenses such as toiletries, internet time, souvenirs, gifts for host families, letters/postcards to family and supporters back home, and excursions on our days off from ministry
I have received a few donations towards my personal expenses and I have a few monthly supporters who will be giving anywhere from $15-100 each month I'm on the field to help me cover these expenses. With their future donations all taken into account for the year, I will receive $2,700 towards these expenses.
That means I am only $1,735 away from having every expense covered by supporters!
I'm not going to push this on social media or my blog because I am willing, if no more money comes in, to pay that out of my savings account. I asked you, my community, to help me reach my goal of $15,500 and you exceeded that. I am so excited and thankful!
That being said, if you want to give to help me pay for these additional expenses, you can write a check to Bethel Worship Center (it will still be tax deductible) and put my name on the memo line and mail it to:
Bethel Worship Center
814 Fair Street
Camden, SC 29020
Bethel will work with me to ensure that money reaches me on the field and helps cover remaining expenses. You can send checks anytime between now and when I return in August 2014!
Here's one more exciting announcement just for fun…
Today, Kirstin and I had the opportunity to speak to the eighth graders at Laurence Manning Academy about our trip to Oklahoma and my upcoming World Race. It was my first time being in a classroom and not being a student, and I found the whole experience to be exhilarating and fun!
I told them my story, shared a video, and even had a contest to see who could find all of my countries the fastest. The students were engaged, interested, and so full of energy! I absolutely loved being a part of their day.
I also learned that these students will be following me throughout their eighth grade year! They will be researching my countries, reading my blogs, and even writing reports about what they learn. Sharing missions with people back home through my blog, social media, and speaking engagements is one of my very favorite parts of missions work, and I am beyond ecstatic to have Mrs. Clark's eighth graders follow my journey this year. What a gift!
Here are some pictures from today's visit…
