So here we go...in order to get to Africa, we need to do something that I dread. Ask for money.
It looks like we have 7 girls pretty interested in the Africa trip right now (www.charamission.org). We are fundraising both individually and as a group. Right now the board at school is discussing putting their name on it which will help us in numerous ways. One of the girls in our group has set up a meeting with a touring musician when he comes into town...Corey Smith I think...I haven't heard of him but supposedly he has been to Africa and promotes relief in Africa. I also found out while we were in snowshoe that my sister in law, Grace heads up a medical supply charity. I set the founder of Chara up with Grace to get some supplies shipped over there...I saw a pic of the OR supply cabinet there and it was pitiful...literally almost empty...and only the size of a refrigerator...so that was pretty awesome. It’s kind of crazy that how many doors can open just by putting so little effort into it. I am dreading-but about to write fundraising letters to friends/family. Dad kind of set me straight on that and so did my friend's mom from church. I felt guilty about doing so at first. I know I'm not asking money for a new car but asking for money to enable me to serve other people. The part of me that feels bad is quite simply because I know that it will (in the end) be a huge blessing to me to be able to help people in such desperate circumstances. I'm such a sap, I can't barely think about it without tearing up.
My friends’ mom said that if I didn’t give them an opportunity to support me, I would be robbing the people who wanted to be a part of and support the cause. I never really thought of it that way...and I have donated to plenty of other missions...and its tax deductible so I guess it just is what it is-what do I have to loose? So besides that I think we are going to try to do some car washes/silent auctions/bake sales etc too. So that’s where I'm at now...I need to get to work on my passport (need to change my name on it), visa and get the vaccinations lined up.
Now I just need to juggle that and the semester and some sort of social life and I will be in good shape! Philip is a little bothered that I will be gone for two weeks of my very short summer (summer classes) and my 25th birthday. I think he's just worried about what he will eat! Other than that he is supportive...he told me to go right off the bat because he has been the one to hear me make mention of that desire over the past few years.
