Never could I have imagined that preparation and fundraising for the World Race would completely consume my entire life. When I am not working my full time job, I am planning, promoting and executing my current fundraiser while starting the process over again with another, and there is overlap. Can I just say marketing and public relations have become my only hobby. Facebook and I are now friends.
Then there are the vaccinations. I have received 7 shots and a course of oral vaccinations, with another 3 shots planned. Each one has rules like take the second shot in this series one month after the first and the third two months after the second and for this shot take the second one 6 months after the first and this one every other day, on an empty stomach and because this vaccine is good for only 12 months and since you need it in month 11 take it 2 weeks before you leave. Oh the details and the doctors, resolving long overdue issues. Preparing my body for this journey is also a feat, I mean I did just turn another year older…
I am also buying the gear for my trip. You can only check a 50 lb bag, so I have to calculate each ounce, weighing my options according to weight, price, and how user friendly it is. Post its are everywhere, tent 3.14 lbs, backpack 4.4 lbs, sleeping pad 2.2 lbs, sleeping bag 2.10 lbs. How much do shoes weigh? Wait, I can only have 2 pair?!? For an entire year! Packing list obsession, what was the review of each item when it was tested on the field? How many times will I have to wear the same shirt?
I must say all of this and many other thoughts and questions are swirling around in my head. When was my last blog post? Got to stay on top of that! Am I up to date on my thank you cards? I got my passport but I need 6 extra photos? Who is going to rent my home next year? I should rent out a room for the next 6 months, who wants it? Need to take photos to advertise, then post and follow leads. On that note I need to photograph stuff for sale. Yeah, I need to do a yard sale. Back to fundraising again…I should plan to budget for a storage unit too…Oh my, who’s going to take care of my dog? When did I last take him for an actual walk? Well at least he has a laundry pile that’s become a fun zone. I do need to do my laundry! Oops my birthday was 2 weeks ago and the new license plate is still in the back seat. What am I going to do about my car while I’m gone? The insurance? The tag? Who’s going to take care of my taxes when I’m gone and who will manage my finances? What’s this whole Schwab card thing about? International banking…What exactly is the status of my gym membership, working out…what happened to that? Must maintain my responsibilities, did I pay my electric bill? Must maintain my friendships, when did I last visit my friend at the hospital? Have I prayed for everyone that asked and for everyone who didn’t ask but has need? I should start practicing my Spanish again because the only thing I remember how to say is necesito practicar espanol. Yeah about studying, where did I leave off in my study time of the word? Oh yeah YOU, God, I mean YOU are what this whole thing is about!
This is me, squawking! This picture is perfectly accurate. I need the Lord to fill me with His peace and provide not only money manna from Heaven but have His wing cover me. The World Race is overwhelmingly huge and at most times I feel awkwardly helpless. Then I remember Matthew 6:26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
“So, when will we get to the pie?” First chew on this…$16,962. That’s a lot of dough which leads me back to the pie, would you like to buy a slice? Then my pie in the sky dream wouldn’t be in the sky anymore! On the ground I can run this World Race. Where was I going with all of this? That’s the brain fry and here is the pie.
Many of you were wondering just where all that $16,962 went off to, well, these charts explain it and here is my timeframe to raise it.
Goal # 1 $3900 due 9/25/15
Goal #2 $10,000 due 12/18/15
Goal #3 $13,000 due 2/29/16
Goal #4 $16,962 due 4/29/16
I actually just met goal #1 last night with the close of my t-shirt fundraiser! I am thrilled to be ahead of schedule because I cannot imagine trying to raise $6,962 while on the mission field. That is the time I want to be completely focused on the work of the ministry and the needs of my team as we start our journey together. Please prayerfully consider supporting me. I also have to have $2000 to replenish supplies while on the field and money to be left behind for the caretaker of my pets, as well as funds for a storage unit. I have already paid for my passport, my vaccinations and am in the process of purchasing gear…
God is fully capable of providing my every financial need for this mission. He could do it all on His own but then how would that grow my faith or how would that bless you? It glorifies Him when we give to one another, because it’s selfless and that points to Jesus. I trust Him so the faith part, check! Blessings for you, I will presume a lot of checks here! Checks for checks!
He called me to this, He is equipping me for it and I will go. There has been this question…”If she doesn’t have the money by the deadline will she lose what has already been donated to Adventures in Missions?” No! January, July and September are the three times a year a racer can launch. I chose a route for January but I can postpone to July or September without “losing” the money. If I never go on the World Race, then yes, the money would stay with Adventures In Missions but that’s not going to happen! God told me so, with this little note He slipped into my fortune cookie.
