Truth: this support raising business has been hard.
Not because I've struggled to raise funds… no, provision has come generously and graciously, and I honestly haven't had to work that hard. God has shown up. He's been good. He's been faithful. And people have been very generous.
What's been hard is the asking.
Why? Because it requires
humility.
Ugh. Ouch. That ripping noise you hear? Yeah, it's my heart… being shredded open so that my ugly pride can be siphoned out into a "toxic waste" barrel that will be sealed and never seen again. That's the aim, anyway.
I was raised to believe that I can do anything. I'm strong! I'm independent! I'm smart! I could go to the moon if I wanted! Nothing can hold me back! (Thank you, Mom & Dad… I am really grateful for how your belief in me taught me to believe in myself. It's a priceless gift you gave me.)
But somewhere along the way, that confidence started to harden. It crystalized. It became junk. It became PRIDE. The reality [for me] is…
I'm strong = It's impossible for YOU to hurt ME.
I'm independent = I don't need YOU. And never will.
I'm smart = I'm as good as you. Probably better.
Ugly. Ugly. Ugly! My stomach is literally turning as I write this. That's not the person that I want to be. And thank the Lord, He has awakened me to this issue and is (sometimes quite painfully) changing my heart and lifting me out of my mess.
So that pride issue – not needing anyone, not opening myself up to pain, not wanting to admit that others have something I don't- has made it pretty hard to hold my hat and ask for MONEY.
That requires transparency – I have a need.
It requires vulnerability – I need YOU.
It requires humility – I can't do this alone…Can you help?
The good news is, through this process God has been so faithful and my friends and family have been SO GENEROUS! You have showered me with love, encouragement, prayers, gifts and financial blessings. THANK YOU! I am learning how important humility is, and as I submit to that I am being blessed in return. It’s sweet.
I haven't crossed the finish line yet, though. So, in the name of vulnerability and humility, I'm laying it ALL out there. I leave the country in 15 DAYS! There arestill several things I still need. (And admittedly, some things I want.) I received my last paycheck last Friday, so I have a set amount of money in the bank. I still have several bills to pay (some medical bills, 2 more vaccines, a couple car payments, etc.)
So what I’m saying is… I can't meet these needs alone. Can you help?
If the answer is yes, here’s how!
1) PRAY! I could always use some of that. 🙂
2) Donate to my support account – I only need $4,800 to be FULLY FUNDED!!!! It would be awesome if I could reach that number before launch (that can include future monthly pledges)
3) **Check out the items below** that I still need and/or would [like] to have for my trip. Anything you could contribute would BLESS me so much! And good news – a lot of it is CHEAP! J(Used items are ok too – if you own something you could give or could get it cheaply, I'm totally down with that!)
1. Multi-Vitamins: Our diet will be limited in fruits & veggies, so these will be important and they are hard to find overseas. Any kind will do, I'm not picky. In total, I need enough for 11 7 months. Even chipping in 1 bottle will help!
2. Probiotic pills: Keeping the digestive & immune system healthy while eating a crazy diet! Other details same as above. 🙂 You can find them at Target, Walmart or any pharmacy.
3. Charcoal pills: Same as above. 🙂 You can buy them at health food stores.
4. Ziplock bags: To keep things organized, and to pack toiletries in. I need gallon and quart size. They are hard to find overseas, so several boxes of each would be great!
5. Over the counter meds: Ibuprofen, Zyrtec, Pepto chewables, dayquil & nyquil (capsules), simply sleep
6. Outlet converter: a universal one!
7. Mini surge protector: they make compact, travel sized ones, and some even have a USB plug on them, like the one made by Belkin
8. Small, compact ipod speakers: I like dance parties! They need to be mini, and the louder the better!
9. Headphone splitter: for watching movies/listening to music together on those loooonggggg plane/train/bus rides.
10. Stuffsacks: to keep my things organized in my pack.
11. A Fleece: To stay warm at night, on planes, etc! I registered for one here – you can check it out to see my size and what I have in mind. (But it doesn't have to be this specific one, necessarily) www.myregistry.com/public/ReneeDurham
12. Bug spray or cream: I need heavy duty stuff – the more DEET the better, but at least 30% DEET.
13. Inflatable neck pillow: comfort for those 72 hour travel “days” 🙂
14. Nice earplugs w/case: in case my teammates snore. 🙂 And to help me sleep in random places.
15. Contact Solution: multipurpose kind.
16. Slim Point & Shoot: a small, slim point and shoot camera. I don't need anything fancy, just need it to have video. I'm taking my DSLR, but I'd like to have a small camera to carry in my pocket for quick photos and shooting video with. (used is cool!)
17. Giftcards to Walmart or Target: for random necessities (and I’m getting my Malaria meds from the Walmart pharmacy!)
17. Donate cash into my personal fund to help pay for these items at: www.myregistry.com/public/ReneeDurham
The countdown is on, so I need to acquire these items soon! Please let me know if you plan to help out with any of these things so I don’t double up. (You can e-mail me by clicking on “get in touch” in the upper left menu.)
If you don’t live in the Indy area and want to mail anything to me please mail it to: Renee Durham c/o Marty Tatman 6167 B Carvel Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46220, but I leave October 7th, so it’s important that it arrives by the 5th to be safe!
I can't THANK YOU enough for your blessings! And thank you for loving me despite the mess that is in my heart sometimes. I love you.
