fundraising sucks but I was told that it’s a necessary motion and therefore i need to “embrace the suck.” Plain and simple. There is nothing easy about asking people for money and yet here I am day after day sending letters, posting on Facebook and planning fundraisers trying to raise a small fortune for my mission trip. Let me tell you, this is so wildly out of my comfort zone that it just reassures me that much more that this is gods calling for my life. Any other time or situation I would have thrown in the towel and moved on to another dream, yet here I Am putting down my pride and putting myself out there. It’s been hard. Really really hard. I’ve been turned down by people who I would have expected to be behind me and support me. That was shocking, hurtful and slightly embarrassing but I’m still here, trucking along. Then I’ve had people step up and donate that I would have never imagined would support me. Its beautiful. And hard, But still incredibly beautiful.
I know the logistics of fundraising, lead us closer to god, follow his timing and his calling but I’m serious when I tell you it’s not something you understand until you put yourself out there and feel the sting of getting a big “no” or the overwhelming joy when you get an email saying someone just donated $1000 that the reality of fundraising hits.
In a weird way I’m very grateful to be going through this experience. It’s teaching me to be humble in asking for things. And that it’s okay to ask for things! There are so many people that want to help out for a good cause but everyone’s scared to put their story out there to ask! It’s also showing me that rejection and failure is OKAY. It’s actually a necessary process for growth (although id still rather do without that part) I’ve failed quite a bit with different aspects of the race and I’m still very much alive. It’s also showing me how much god is working in my life. I look back at the last year and I’m in awe of how much I’ve grown, changed, developed as an adult and as a Christian. How this time last year going on the world race would have only happened in my dreams. But as we know gods plans are always far better than anything we can plan for ourselves and for that I’m extremely thankful!
But I also want to take a minute to explain how fundraising can work for you, too. In order to reach my goal, I need anyone and everyone’s help. Whether that be by prayer, financial donations or donating your time and talents to my fundraisers.
Financially, I want to tell you that every dollar counts. Every single dollar that’s donated gets me one dollar closer to being funded. I didn’t realize until I was asking for money how far $5 will go. I saw a few people trying to raise money and thought “I can only give $5 and that’s barely anything and a waste of their time so I just won’t give at all” wrong! So wrong! I now see how much $5 can make a difference! So I’m asking you now to forget that stigma and donate whatever you can, I appreciate ALL amounts. I know a few people have devoted part of their tithing to my mission trip. That is a good way to still honor god and help me out as well, something to be prayerful about.
Speaking of Prayers- I’m in CONSTANT need of them. There is so much that goes into preparing for this year long mission trip that I often get overwhelmed and I’m now in crunch time and can’t afford to spend any more days idle. Please pray that god continues to move in my life and the lives of others that I encounter in my “pre race days” pray that god has a hand of safety and protection over me and my squad not only while we prepare for our journey but while we’re overseas. Pray that god opens the hearts Of potential donors that they see what a difference they can make in my life as they partner with me and my missions. Pray for my squad mentors, leaders and everyone at AIM as they help prepare us for launch. Pray that my family and friends keep their heart open as we spend our last few months together and that we are all able to be present and enjoy these times.
Another area I could use a helping hand is in fundraisers. I have so many ideas but I’m terrible at executing them! If this is something you’re good at or if you have any ideas on ways to bring in money PLEASE contact me. I would love the help!
My next deadline is December 18th and I have to have $7,500 of the $16,242 in my account to be able to launch with my team. I still have many dollars to raise and many headaches to endure while finishing raising money but I plan to be present and willing to learn from each moment because I know gods truth will shine during this process and I’m blessed to have been called to do this.
I’ll end with how much I appreciate you guys. Whether you’re just now reading my story or you’ve been with me from the beginning…thank you. This is a huge step for me and this continuous support has been a huge blessing. I pray that god blesses you for taking the time to help, love and encourage me as I prepare for this wild adventure god has called me on and I love you all!
xoxo
***** to make a donation *****
Online: you can do so on my blog just click the “support me” tab and it will walk you through the process
paypal– just put in my email [email protected]
by check– You can mail a check (make sure my name is in the memo!) to
Adventures in Missions
P.O. Box 742570
Atlanta, GA 30374-2570
