So, most of you know that I have been fundraising to meet my final deadline. I want to let you all know that I am officially fully funded!!! How crazy is that??? I am completely floored by the amount of support and love I have received through this whole process.
I knew when joining the Race that I would have to fundraise. The idea of fundraising $18,000 is daunting, but you guys have made that possible. I cannot say thank you enough. I get to continue walking this Race out and seeing what the future holds for me out here and I have all of you to thank for that. It took people donating more than just money. I had so many people donate their time. I want to specifically thank Shaina for helping with the graphics for the shirts and tickets, and for helping with the bible journaling night. I want to thank Natasha for helping me so much with the Art Auction night. Thank you to DJ, Amethyst, Marissa, Aisha, Matt, Jana, and everyone else who donated artwork. I literally could not have done it without you! Thank you to Mandy, Lauren, Hannah, and everyone one at the Cake Co. for allowing me to use the space for my fundraiser and your support through the whole fundraising process. Thank you, Candi, for completely taking on the haircut fundraiser during such a crazy busy time! It means so much that you wanted to do that for me. Thank you, Mama, for spending countless hours sewing bags for me. I love how excited you were to help me in this and it made me feel super important. Thank you to Shannon and Julz. We have been more like sisters our whole lives and I love how you guys continue to support me no matter what. You both mean so much to me. Chel, thank you for everything! You not only helped me with every single fundraiser, but you were there through all the ups and downs with me too. You built me up when I was feeling like I was overwhelmed. You never let me give up. I am so blessed to have you as my friend and sister! Thank you to My People! I cannot begin to express how much I miss you all and how blessed I am that you are My People. You have supported me through it all and I feel like I have the best group of friends ever!
These past four months I have learned a lot about community. How hard it is to build from scratch and intentional, loving, and safe community. My team and I are still trying to figure out what that looks like for us, but I must say that I do have a great example to go off. God has blessed me with an amazing community back home and I want you all to know how much I love and appreciate that. I do not take it for granted. I thank God that he brought me into my community at home, because it showed me what healthy community looks like.
With all that being said, I have one more thank you I’d like to say. I must say thank you to Family Life Church. I don’t even know where to begin. I have only been helping at the church for the past 3 years, but it feels like it has been my home forever. You guys welcomed me into your family long before I realized that I needed a family. You guys have supported me in this mission far more than I could ever have expected. I would not be here if it weren’t for the support of not only the church but the congregation as well. I cannot say thank you enough for helping me go out and live the Great Commission. I love you all and miss you much! I can’t wait to come home and tell you all about what has been happening!
Again, thank you to all who have helped me. Whether it was buying a t-shirt or a buy-a-box square (results coming soon!) it helped me reach my fundraising goal and I appreciate that so much! Thank you for everything! Love you all!
