This one's for all of my incredible supporters out there!
I just realized I never made an official blog post about how I'm doing financially and sharing the most recent news with you. So here it is!
1. I AM FULLY FUNDED!
Actually, I am just over fully funded! Thank you so much for your generosity. I am still completely blown away by how God has used all of you to provide. And He did it in about two months. Man, how great is our God! It means so much to me to have all of you partnering with me as we bring God's love to the nations!
If you didn't get a chance to support me yet, but you'd still like to do something to help…there are a few options.
1. I do still have a lot of personal expenses for the World Race, mainly the odds and ends that all add up, and I also will need about $100/month while I'm on the Race for extra living expenses. I'm trying to figure out the best way to facilitate anyone who would like to donate to that, but for now you can always e-mail me at [email protected] if you'd be interested in contributing that way! Please note that any personal donations are not tax-deductible and simply out of pure generosity.
2. Several of my squad mates are still working to meet their deadline to launch, $6500 by August 18. Please, please donate to them. View my previous blog to learn how: http://raychelmanko.theworldrace.org/?filename=a-desperate-plea-thats-not-for-me
2. MY SQUAD AND I ARE OFFICIALLY LAUNCHING TO THE NATIONS FROM CHICAGO, ILLINOIS ON SEPTEMBER 5.
To my understanding, this means that all four September squads will be meeting in Chicago for a few days for some final training and instruction before launching to our prospective destinations!
3. MY FIRST STOP, AS OF RIGHT NOW, IS EITHER ZIMBABWE OR BOTSWANA!
OR 
Our routes are always subject to change, but for now my squad is scheduled to go to Zimbabwe or Botswana first. Our squad is broken up into nine teams and some of teams will be sent to work with ministry partners in Zimbabwe and the other teams will be sent to Botswana. Or we could all be sent to the same country. We don't really know, but I'll keep you posted on where my team and I end up!
But either way, I am so excited about both of these countries. As anyone who knows me knows, I have a huge heart for Africa and its people. Both Zimbabwe and Botswana suffer from extreme poverty and an AIDS epidemic, and have many orphans. I hope to bring the healing, provision, hope, truth, and love of our amazing Father to these people!
4. I'M GRIEVING THE END OF MANY SEASONS OF MY LIFE.
This last month in between training camp and launch has been kind of rough as far as things coming to an end and saying goodbye.
-I'm no longer a college student. I may or may not have gotten a little teary-eyed in Walmart when I realized I didn't get to buy stuff for my dorm anymore.
-I finally had to say goodbye to Gainesville. I'm not making any more trips there until I come back from the Race, and it's just plain sad. I already miss everything about it, especially the Cuban lattes and the people.
-Actually, I'm not a student at all anymore. It feels very weird. And as frustrating as school is when you're pulling an all-nighter and have to go to class, I miss the comforts of being a student.
-I recently put my two weeks notice in at St. Andrews Estates South, the retirement home that I've worked at on-and-off for 6.5 years. My last day is August 15, and I'm going to be a wreck when I have to say goodbye to the coworkers and residents that I've worked with for so long.
-And of course saying goodbye to the friends and family that I love so much for a year is not easy. You may not realize it, but every time we hang out I'm very aware that it might be the last time I see you until I get back. And it makes me sad.
(Sorry, I'm not trying to be a downer – just real with how I feel.)
5. BUT I'M BUSY PREPARING FOR THIS NEXT SEASON!
But this new season is also very exciting! With less than a month left until I leave, there are still tons of things left to do! I still have thank you notes to send, one more yard sale, a couple of speaking engagements, lots of shopping, etc. I'll spare you all the details, but I do ask that you would please pray for me!
– Please pray that God would just continue to do work on my heart and prepare me spiritually, physically, and emotionally as I get ready to go.
– Pray for the will to earnestly seek God in prayer and through His Word, and pray against getting so overwhelmed with my to-do list that I forsake seeking the Lord!
-Pray for God's continued provision and that every need will continue to be met!
THANKS SO MUCH FOR EVERYTHING! GOD BLESS YOU!
