WHOA. I don't know how this happened--just kidding--I do know how this happened, but I am reeeeeeeally close to my fundraising goal! I don't have the exact numbers right now because I am waiting to hear the results from the Chick-fil-A fundraiser, the current amount that has been sent to or donated through my church offering, and from YWAM on how many people have donated through them... but I know that I am close and that is EXCITING!
I am overwhelmed by the support and encouragement I have received in preparation for this trip. People have flooded me with kindness and generosity and my heart is full! This whole experience in fundraising has challenged me to be more giving of what I have. It seems like such a simple message but actually receiving this generosity is humbling and powerful stuff! So many of the people that contributed chose to see the money they have as a gift from God, and are therefore more willing to send it to those who need it. As I am trusting God for finances to fund this trip, each one who has donated is trusting God to provide for their needs as they are relinquishing some of that gift to me! This has inspired me to truly see money in a different way. I also see my work in a different way. God has blessed me with the perfect job for these past couple of months, which allows so much flexibility that I may simply take off in April and return to subbing in September when I get back! This job has helped fund my trip tremendously, so I am challenged to be more thankful for it and see each day that I am subbing as one that God has divinely appointed. I have had some interesting challenges along the way and it's definitely a stretching experience (and test of patience) to be a substitute teacher in elementary schools, but I definitely think it is worth it in the end and I am thankful for it.
I still have a portion of my outreach funds to raise, so if you are looking for a way to support me, click here to check out my current fundraiser! I'm selling T-shirts that I designed for $20 and the profit goes towards my trip with YWAM. I know that on the website it says I have reached my goal, but that was the minimum amount of shirts that had to be sold in order for the shirts to be made. This fundraiser is STILL GOING until Monday, March 17th, when I end it so that shirts can be shipped out before I leave. Please consider buying a shirt or passing the link on to someone you know who might want one. This shirt would also make a great birthday or Christmas gift!
Thank you SO MUCH to all of you that have read this, encouraged me, supported me, or helped me along in any way! I am truly blessed!
