I have been talking with my parents lately about some of the stresses and concerns I’ve had over the course of our time in Africa. For whatever reason, one of the biggest issues I’ve run into is electronic malfunctions. My digital camera has been slowly dying over the whole race, but a few weeks ago it pretty much bit the dust. The flash no longer works, which makes it impossible to get a clear photo in dim lighting. Most recently, the automatic meter is out of whack, which causes the camera to think it’s too bright when it’s not, or too dark when it’s not, and then tries to compensate. As a result, I end up with extremely dark or washed out photos, rendering the camera useless at this point. I’ve been feeding off of other people’s photos, but it frustrates me. For me, media and specifically photo documentation is a huge part of my ministry. I have had the privilege to take thousands of photos since the start of the race; photos that will be burned in my mind and heart long after leaving each place. When that option is removed, it makes it difficult for me to feel like I am ministering to my full potential. I am missing opportunities to share photos of the needs out here, and I am also not able to show you what is going on. Seeing the face of a starving child, the tears of a dying mother, or the community in a desperate, impoverished village leaves a far greater affect (and hopefully response) than merely reading about one.
Another is my computer. It has been acting up for over a month now. I tried to explain to my dad that literally every time I use it (which is often several times a day,) it either freezes up or goes blue-screen. When that happens, sometimes it will shut down on its own. Otherwise, I have to hold the power button down and shut it off improperly. Then, to make matters worse, for reasons I cannot figure out, it is unable to turn back on for usually at least half an hour. I’m convinced that my computer has a mind of its own and is significantly aggravated with me for not shutting it down the “proper” way. All of that to say, it affects my computer work regularly. It often shuts down when I’m editing a video or writing a blog, causing me to lose my most recent work. I’m frustrated, and sometimes at my wits end with this machine. I’m not sure if it’s a virus, software, or hardware issue, but I would like to have it looked at.
The other issue of concern is my return to the states. All of the racers will be flying from Nicaragua into Fort Lauderdale, FL at the end of July. We are then responsible to coordinate our own ways “home.” So whether that means flying, or renting a car (which some of us have talked about possibly doing,) it will cost money…that I don’t currently have. I am trying to avoid letting this become a burden, but I feel like in handing it over to God, I also need to make you, my support base, aware of it.
I am letting you know all of this because I am in no financial position to manage these frustrations. All of my support raising before I left the states went toward my team account or health preparation. These types of things are not covered by the team account, so I need to take care of them out of pocket. Some of you asked how you could continue to help or pray me over the course of the race, or when financial needs/concerns come up to let you know. Well, here it is. If you are interested in helping to support me financially, these gifts will not be tax deductible. The best way for me to receive them is through my parents—they will deposit funds into my bank account, which I can then access out here. I will attach the appropriate address below.
Prayer warriors, I need you now in a huge way. Pray against the enemy having his way with my electronics and using that to deter this huge form of my ministry. Pray that my financial needs with be covered in this area as well as others. Especially, pray that I am able to continue to trust God, no matter what happens, and regardless of what seems to be going wrong.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You all have certainly had a lot on your prayer plate with me this year, and I am so grateful for everything you have supported me through.
In His protective hands,
Traci
Any contributions can go to the following:
Traci VanSumeren
2040 Lehigh Street #209
Easton, PA 18042
