When I was preparing for the race, I did my best to save as much money as possible. I was a student teaching full time as well as trying to hold a job, but I only made minimum wage. I managed to save about $1500 which was my goal amount for the year, but when it came time to get all of the necessary vaccinations I realized they would be much more expensive than anticipated and my insurance didn’t cover any of them. Unfortunately with only two months before launch I had to use all of my savings and then some to pay for all of the necessary vaccinations. This left me with almost nothing to take with me on the field, but I trusted that the Lord would provide!
One month prior to launch I had a friend tell me that they felt lead to give me 10% of their income ($200) to my bank account each month. I was so excited and so blessed, it was exactly what I needed! However, life happens rather unexpectedly and this incredible supporter hit a rough patch with a stolen car and some other financial difficulties and was no longer able to support me in that way. It put me right back at square one.
I’ve been trusting that the Lord would provide for me but money on the field has been really tight these past few months. I have to provide my own personal items (shampoo, conditioner, soap, laundry detergent etc). As well as food on off days or new clothes when the few things I have with me get too worn out. I also sometimes take advantage of where I am and try to do one fun excursion with my team (for instance we are in Cambodia this month and I would really like to visit Angkor Wat which costs $37). Finally, there is always the possibility of getting sick and needing to see a doctor or purchase medicine which comes out of pocket at first and then is later reimbursed by insurance so it is necessary to have money for those things as well.
On top of providing for myself on the field this year I have to start worrying about how I will pay for a place to live or necessary items once I am home in America as well as how I will start paying off my student loans. Of course my plan is to get a job ASAP but there will inevitably be a gap between getting home and getting employed.
I feel that the Lord is calling me into humility this season. Knowing that I have so many amazing supporters who have funded this journey so far makes it that much harder to ask for more financial support, but I have come to realize that this is my independent, western perspective at work. So I humbly ask you to consider supporting my personal finances. A little goes a long way and truly any amount would bless me.
If you would like to support me in this way, the most convenient way would be through apps called Venmo or CashApp. They are quick to set up and are perfectly secure to put your card or account information into. If you would like to support me but feel more comfortable doing so via check then you could send it to my father’s home address and he will deposit into my bank account.
To find me on Venmo or CashApp my usernames are:
Venmo: @Kristen-Coughlin
CashApp: $KristenCoughlin
DM for my father’s home address or with any questions or concerns. Thank you so much for your consideration!
