Over the past few weeks and even months the first question upon talking with anyone is,
Typically my response is, “it’s definitely going. I have been overwhelmed with how God has orchestrated things together. I’m learning a lot about myself, others, and God.”
But to answer this general question in much greater detail, I have decided to put some things into perspective for those of you that have so kindly asked by covering three main things.
Where are we?
What’s ahead?
How can you be apart?
I humbly and thankfully say “we” because I honestly mean it when I say I couldn’t do this on my own.
Without further delay, lets get to the logistics of such answers.
I will do my best to keep it as short and sweet as possible, without neglecting important information.
Where are we?
As many of you may or may not know, on New Year’s Day, I announced that I currently have $11,500 towards my actual race.
I personally gave about $5,000 and through generous donations of amazing people and fundraisers we were able to raise an additional $6,500.
This is about $4,000 less than what is required.
I have certainly been blown away by the generosity, support, interest, and ways that people have decided to be apart of this journey with me. It’s only a miracle that in just 4 months, this lump some of money has come about. Seriously, it’s been so amazing to experience and I am excited to see how the rest is provided for.
This brings me to another popular question and possibly your assumption,
“So all you need is $4,000?”
“You have 6 months to raise way less money than what you raised in 4 months!”
As much as I would like to tell you yes, this is not the case.
We have come this far and have already accomplished something significantly above my expectations in such a short amount of time, but we still are hoping and believing to obtain another goal of $9,000 before launch in July.
Yes, nine thousand.
It seems like a big number, but
Nothing is too big for God.
What for?!?
Glad you asked.
I would love to explain.
Obviously we need $4,000 more towards the actual race.
HOWEVER, this does not cover ALL expenses.
Here are additional things that will need to be considered.
Travel expenses to training camp –
I have opted to road trip with some fellow squad mates.
Gas alone will be about $100 one way.
Totaling at least $200.
Traveler’s insurance –
This is required to have for the whole 11 months of traveling.
This runs $230 total.
Traveling expenses –
This covers anything I will need to purchase while on the race.
It also includes any spending money.
It is recommended to have about $1500 or more to make it comfortably
And get to experience some of the greatest things you will ever encounter.
Gear –
A gracious couple has already donated to me some required gear for the race.
I also have bought some gear myself.
Some is the key word. I still have quite a bit left to get.
I have made a wish list on Amazon if you are interested in purchasing anything off of it. I will continue to update it. To find my wish list you will go to amazon.com.
On the right it will say wish list hover over until you see the option “find a wish list
Or registry.” Click on that then type “Natalie Hallford” in the blue box on the right.
I have estimated that it will be an additional $1,000.
3 year commitment –
Earlier in the year of 2012, I made a personal 3 yr. financial commitment to our church for a facility that will allow more room for people to be ministered to.
We are honestly busting at the seams and a facility is greatly needed, not just wanted. I typically wouldn’t share this information, but I still have about $2,000 left on my commitment. This is obviously not a requirement for the race, but with the given circumstances of not working for a whole year and no certain plans for after the race, I am praying that I can give it all before I leave.
With all of this in mind,
We still have at least $8,930 LEFT to raise; however, there is stuff planned ahead to help me meet these goals.
Now on to the next question,
what’s ahead?
Let me begin by stating that my job knows that I will be leaving.
I actually have notified them that my last day will be May 3rd.
With this being said, I have about 4 and a half months left of work.
This means approximately 7 more paychecks from my lovely job.
With this being said, I know that I can cover myself at least another $3,500.
Future fundraisers.
First of all, I would like to point out that I still have plenty of t-shirts left.
They are selling for $20. If you already have a t-shirt, thank you for your purchase.
I ask that you wear that babbbyy out and share our story with your friends and family!!!
The garage sale was such a huge success last time, walking away with $700, we will be doing this again in the Spring!!! If you have any thing that you would be delighted to give away and donate to this, please let me know. A huge thank you to those who have already donated things.
Another fundraiser we did last year was the 50th street caboose benefit dinner.
This is also another thing that we will be doing again this spring. Previously we came out with about $360 dollars. I am hoping for at least that, it not more!
A Huge shout out to all of my family and friends that were able to make this happen.
I will keep you all updated on when the next one will be so we can get the word out and make this happen!
Something else I do on the side is tap into my creative side and take custom orders through my facebook page, Impartations. www.facebook.com/NHImpartations.
Here you can easily contact me and find pictures of previous things I have done.
Please don’t be limited to the things you see, my dream is to do whatever you want. If you have an idea, run it by me. I’d love to make your imagination your reality and add a little pazaaazzzz to your life! Thanks to all of those that have ordered things and have allowed for me to do what I love.
I also intend on Selling my car, yes my car.
But not until June for reasons of traveling and obligations to get to work.
It is a 2001 Yellow Lexus IS 300 that has been kept up well.
I intend on selling it for $4,000.
It’s been such a good car for me. I love it and it’s hard for me to let go, but it’s time.
I have also contemplated some other fundraisers, but am trying to see if they would be beneficial.
I am completely open and would love to hear of any fundraising ideas that you may have.
And finally.
How can you be apart?
First of all, I want to give a huge shout out and thank you. Thank you. Thank you. To all that have participated in the fundraisers, contributed a donation, and prayed for me. Words can’t describe the feelings of gratitude that come up every time I am humble and graced with a blessing.
There are so many opportunities to get involved, just to name a few:
- Prayer, prayer, prayer, prayer!!
- Donate to the upcoming garage sale
- Attend the 50th street caboose dinner
- Purchase gear from my Amazon wish list.
Amazon.com (Search for wish list using my name)
- Give monetary donation through my blog:
Nataliehallford.theworldrace.org
Click the “support me” link on the left
- Give monetary donation through mail to me or AIM:
In order to send it to me, please send it to the following address:
7722 B Albany
Lubbock, TX 79424
**Make payable to Natalie Hallford.
- In order to send it to Adventures in Missions, please send it to the following address:
P.O. Box 534470
Atlanta, GA 30353
**Make payable to Adventures in Missions.
Be sure to put “The World Race: Natalie Hallford” in the memo line.
- Spreading the word
- Subscribe to my blog to keep up with what’s going on Nataliehallford.theworldrace.org“Subscribe, hear from me often” link on the left
- Buy a shirt, or wear your shirt
- And lastly, pray about how you can be apart.
THANK YOU.
