Despite the fact that we are heading into winter here is Canada (bring on the hockey skates!), my wonderful mom-decided to do some 'spring cleaning' and that means emptying a 'junk' closet and going through old yearbooks (from waaaaaaaaaaaaay back in the day…like elementary school and high school). So that is how I spent my Friday evening tonight.
However, God likes to speak to us through any means necessary and to night, was no exception. As I was sitting back, going through old papers and writings- I realized something about myself that I did not know until this point. In high school, I knew who I was. I knew where my faith stood and in WHOM I believed in.
This came out very clear to me through the papers I wrote. There is a part of me that is surprised at my honesty in those papers at the time (knowing my personality at the time), but at the same time-my faith always has been important to me. This has been/is a comforting fact to me especially as I prepare for this adventure.
One thing that I love to do, is just talk with people. However, not only talk with them, but to ask them the "tough questions" (to my fellow R squad-heads up! 
). My youth girls and friends/family are already well aware of this. I love hearing "God stories' from people; whether this is full out testimonies or just sharing about what God is teaching them lately. It is through our stories, that we really realize that we are NOT alone in our struggles and challenges. It is through others who share their stories, that we realize that we can (and will) overcome whatever situation that we are going through (Especially with God on our side).
So right now, in the early planning stages of our race, a lot of my squad mates (and myself included) have started/are already/ or about to start fundraising.
$15, 500.
Yes.
$15,500.
That is a large sum of money, but allow me to break it down for you this way: To go to the main university where I live (U of M) for the 2012/2013 years, costs $14, 600. This is the rough break down of it…
|
Canadian/Permanent Residents
|
International
Students |
|
|
Tuition
(2012-2013 fees) |
$3,900
|
$12,400
|
|
Books & Supplies
|
$1,800
|
$1,800
|
|
Parking Pass1 (optional)
|
$491
|
$491
|
|
Residence (optional)
|
$8,000
|
$8,000
|
|
Gym Membership (optional)
|
$147
|
$147
|
|
Medical Insurance
|
$2602
|
$2602
|
|
Totals
|
$14,600
|
$23,100
|
So lets do those totals, divided by the 8 months that one is actually IN university…
$14,600/8 months =$1,825/month (roughly) to live (and this does NOT include a car, gas, social life etc)
$15, 500/11 months= $1409.00
The difference between the two…is $416.00
Now, please hear me out- I have nothing against going to university at all-I really dont. I just wanted to do one, simple comparison between what university students are paying for 8 months and what the break down for an 11 month adventure with the World Race, really is.
I will be honest. I really do not like fundraising or asking people for money and it really IS a humbling experience to do it. So, fellow R sqaud friends, hang in there and keep reading this next story I am going to share with you about a past fundraising experience I had…and I hope it brings some encouragement to you when you need it! Keep the faith friends! God's GOT THIS!!
Testimony time..or a small, fundraising snipit of it!
I was in my second year (of three years) of bible college when I realized I had to do an international practicum that summer. Long story short, I felt God placing Ukraine on my heart and so, I applied and got accepted to go for 10 weeks with SEND INTERNATIONAL (side note-I am quite looking forward to heading back to Ukraine on this adventure with you guys-its really an awesome country!). My goal now, after being accepted, was to fundraise $4500. Remember, I was in my second year of college and had already accumulated some debt that would need to be paid off..how in the world was I gonna make this trip work? Now, compared to $15, 000…$4500 does not sound like much…
7 months AFTER I was to get back from the Ukraine, my half of my college grad class (myself included) was heading to Manila, Philippines for 2.5 weeks for a missions trip. Price tag on that=another $2,500.
I was freaking out. How in the world was I to raise that amount because,
- I was currently in school-away from home (and my local churc)
- being gone for the summer in the Ukraine (if I made THAT deadline.. which also meant no fundraising time then
- come fall, I would be BACK IN school (which meant very little time to fundraise for Philippines)
I continued to freak out (Did you notice I said "I"… )
I remember talking with one of my church conferences pastor's wife. She told me flat out to "breathe' 'take one day, one trip at a time" "set attainable goal" "GOD WILL SEE YOU THROUGH"
Well, needless to say-she was right. God DID see it through. My local church stepped up (so thankful for a great home church base! Gonna miss it lots!), members of the church stepped up in ways that I never dreamed of, and even people of the community did. People that I was not expecting to give anything-gave a lot and the people I was thinking WOULD give, gave nothing.
Through it all, God taught me about humility, about being humble and TRUSTING HIM. SO-shout out to my wonderful R squad-as you fundraise, realize that it is
- OK to ask people for money.
I have found that seniors usually love to give since they realize that they cannot physically "go" but are usually more than happy to help us youngsters be Christ's Hands and feet! You will also find (at least I have found) that seniors are some of the BIGGEST PRAYER WARRIORS out there! I could share SO many stories of my travels that I know I got through because of the strength and power behind the prayers to God, from seniors. its AMAZING!
- God Provides in unexpected ways
Dont hold back. Be bold. As jamie posted a while back, "if God wills it. God bills it!"
- Set small goals for yourself
Dont think about the over all costs right at the start because yes, that IS overwhelming. Start small. Just think about raising even $1000 at a time because really, you only need to do that 15 times! 🙂
- Continue to serve God right now, where you are
Life does not stop because you are going on this race. Get involved locally in a church, youth group, seniors home etc The more people you have around you-the better. Do NOT forget those around you. RIGHT NOW. Be God's hands and feet right now
- Pray for your parents
I know this is tough and I know we dont all have their support. So get down on your hands and knees right now and pray for them. Know that God is using YOU in their lives right now. Keep encouraged. Send Ou(R) squad prayer requests . God has brought us together for a reason. Prayer is so powerful..SO LETS US IT!
- Pray Pray PRAY
Go GET EM R SQUAD!!
Psalm 37:4
