I like doing things on my own.
I never was the kind who liked group projects, I am not big on sharing my opinion unless I am super comfortable with you and most of all, I don’t like asking for help and if it is offered, I don’t like taking it.
Along with the other aspects of life that have changed because of The Race, the change I’m having to make now in working as a team, first at home with my team of supporters and friends then on the field with my teammates, and allowing people to help me has been a struggle. I am constantly having to stop myself from telling people, “Oh you don’t have to do that,” whether they offer a donation, offer to buy my lunch or any other simple, but meaningful favor.
We live in a culture that tells us we should be independent, to not depend on anyone but yourself. If we depend on others we’re told we’re needy, co-dependent or weak.
Asking people to help, whether by praying weekly, donating to my support account, allowing me to live with them rent free for a few months, or even asking people to visit my blog admittedly has made me feel needy, co-dependent and weak. I naturally feel bad (and at the same time amazed!) when people keep giving and giving.
But I’ve been challenged to think about how allowing others to help me reach my goal is no different from me wanting to help others around the world. I’ve been told this is what a lesson in humility is like.
So to all of my supporters, I thank you. Thank you for showing me what it’s like to give. I will take your example and try my best to allow God to work through me as He has worked through you to help me get me this far.
As of today, I have a total of $6,700.90 in donations and pledges. $2,200 is currently sitting in my account so those who have pledged, I encourage you to keep sending in your monthly or quarterly support because it makes a huge difference!
I leave you with a few photos of my garage sale. I was honored to have so much help, starting with John and Helen Henrichs, who graciously loaned me their house, covered the permit and are just all around awesome people. I made a whopping $869.40 in one afternoon!
Thanks Laura! She helped me from start to finish, packing, pricing, moving, selling and making sure to tell anyone who’d buy anything, “My friend is selling all her wordly possessions” 🙂 and then giving them an info card about The World Race.
One of my former bosses Javier and his wife Erinn also helped that day, bringing breakfast tacos, selling, donating and even modeling some of the merchandise. 🙂 Here, Javier is modeling my Cubs sunglasses. I’m still baffled at why nobody would want to buy them! They’re still for sale if we have any takers.
My former co-worker Melissa also helped with the set-up, packing and by buying a lot of my stuff, along with her parents. I think the Renteria family has funded most of my trip!
Here I am with everything we made that day. Tired, but happy!
And another huge thank you to everyone else who donated or bought items from me. I met a lot of great people who gave a little extra after finding out about The Race and it was great getting to share what this trip is all about with them.
