“Vics, you can’t be a missionary if you don’t have any underwear!”
I kid you not, that is an exact quote from one of my friends yesterday. We were on the phone talking about my World Race budget and I was looking for ways to decrease funds and make things more “doable.”
Fundraising 20,000 plus dollars over the next 6 months is not going to be an easy – or enjoyable – task and that’s why I’m writing this blog.
This blog is for you: my supporters, my family, my friends, my prayer warriors & even you random readers who somehow stumbled upon my blog. This blog is yours, because I feel it’s important to fill you in on why I need such a large sum of money.
My World Race fees. This includes transportation while on the field, my insurance, my team food (although only certain “food” is covered. I will still have to be responsible for some of my own meals and groceries) and Project Spotlight (debriefing once back in the states.) = $16, 962.00
Gear. While on the World Race I will essentially be backpacking almost the entire time. I need a two-person tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, sleeping back liner, pillow, a 50L pack, XL quick dry towel, mess kit, head lamp and the list goes on. I do not have an exact estimate of this yet but my guess … $2,000.00
Travel to Training Camp & Launch. In preparation for the World Race, I have to attend training camp in Atlanta, GA. This is a 10-day intensive training for what life as a racer will be like; right now flights are about $250.00. I also have to fly back down to Atlanta for launch in January. These flights are not covered in my WR expenses. = $375.00
Loan. I finished grad school at the University of Denver in May of 2013 and with that degree came quite a bit of debt. I will still be paying my $200.00 payment every month while I am on the race. Total = $2,200.00
Tithe. Currently, I am sponsoring a sweet little brown-eyed girl named Sarah. She lives in Uganda and I have met her on a couple different occasions. Each month I pay $35.00 to help her family with school fees and other necessities. I also support one of my dear friends who does ministry in Denver by giving $25.00 every month. = $660.00
A picture of me and Sarah with Trevor, the little boy my parents sponsor.
Personal Money. This is where the “can’t be a missionary without underwear” conversation happened. I’ve really wrestled with how much money to budget for this each month. Plus, it’s hard to know the price of things in a country you’ve never been to. On the race I will be spending personal money on things like internet, phone cards, meals on days off, fun things like safari’s and bungee jumping, clothes, food at local markets, souvenirs, shampoo, laundry soap, etc. This is where all of the little things really add up. Right now I’m budgeting $200.00 per month for personal money. = $2,200.00
All of these together totals to $24,397.00 … Does that number freak me out a little? Yes. Some people barely make that in a year and here I am raising it in like 6 months. Eek!!
BUT. The good news is, the Lord always provides. I accepted a coaching position at the school this year which will bring in some extra money, and I got a phone call today asking me to be a long-term substitute at the school here in town. (Hallelujah! Answer to prayer!!)
I also have some fundraisers that I will be doing. I will be hosting three food booths at various events in Cozad and Gothenburg. I have a couple speaking engagements at churches. I’m selling T-shirts. My friend made jalapeño jelly for me to sell. I will be selling beads and necklaces from Fashion&Compassion again and who knows what other ideas the Lord has in store for me!!
So there it is, the financial breakdown of my Race. If you feel like you want to partner with me in this journey, YAY! All you have to do is scroll up and click that little orange button that says “Support Me.” If you don’t feel led to give financially (which is totally fine), a) scroll up and click the “Subscribe for Updates” button because I would love to have you follow my journey, b) come check out one of my food booths, buy a T-shirt or come listen to me speak!!
Phew, that was a lot. Thanks for hanging in there.
-Victoria
Green Squad
WR ‘16
#watchmyrace
