A taste of things to come...

Population Two

It's hard to begin to put into words the things I've seen and the emotions I've felt after today. I mean, you expect to have life altering experiences on a trip to India, and in that sense, I'm certainly a changed man. Yesterday I was worried about my income going down by $1800 or so per month. Now I'm just thankful I'm not living in the slums. But surprisingly, the people I met today who live in abject poverty seem to be much more satisfied with life and happy than I feel day to day. Something's wrong with that. 

This is the outside of the school we visited today. It's located in the heart of the slums and is pale in comparison to what we as Americans expect a school to be.

We were welcomed warmly with big full malas or traditional Indian flower necklaces as they are called. 

This particular school prepares the poorest of children for the test they must pass if they want to go to a public government school. The truth is however, most of these kids are stuck and have no hope of escaping the poverty they were born into. In fact, some of the kids at this school attended a public school but for one reason or another had problems keeping up with the other students. The public schools response was to daily whip or beat them until they stop just coming. This school however has a different approach, educating kids in a Christian environment.

I was lucky enough to get to take pictures of each class and immediately print up photographs for them to have. What a cool feeling it was to do that! I'm serious. The teachers were so grateful and all of life's problems seem to melt away when you see that you are truly bringing joy to another human being. I just really got a kick out of doing that and tomorrow were going to another school where I'll get to do more photographing and printing. I can't wait. 

The people who live in these slums, rummage through trash looking for recyclables to sell for money... money they use for rent. Yes, they have to pay rent for the privilege to live in conditions like this.

Many of the huts people live in have tarps for roofs. It's so hard to see this, to walk on mud and ground covered in feces, and wonder how I got so lucky, or how these people were so unlucky. I mean, who chooses to be born into poverty like this? In America, we say the rich worked hard for the money they have, and the poor are simply lazy, or have done something to deserve being poor. Indians have a similar but thought process. They believe that if they are born in extreme poverty, it's because they did something in a previous life to deserve it. And those born in to wealth and privilege did something in a previous life to warrant their position (just like the rich worked hard for their money and deserve it). Everything is destined, and this justifies the disparity in wealth, which seems to me much worse than in America. But after the mission trip to West Virginia, I'd have to say not by much. For this reason, the belief that higher cast people some how deserve what they were born into, and those in the slums equally deserve to be there, is a major reason why Indians are not inclined to give to the poor, or have any compassion what so ever. It breaks my heart. 

Before we went to the school, the mission guide made it clear we were not to leave the school grounds, that no westerners were to be roaming. It wasn't safe and they didn't want any problems with authorities as "conversion" by Westerners is totally illegal in India. But they wanted me to go out with the tour guide to get pictures and video which I was very happy to do. So SJ and I headed for the villages within the slums. SJ asked me to stay in the car while he made sure it was okay for me to come and take pictures. When I got the all clear and got out of the car, all these kids ran up and swarmed around me. They were not clean, some were without clothes, but all of them were thrilled and happy and so excited. I took their picture and showed them what I had taken on the LCD screen and I could tell it was magic to them.

Many people asked me to take their picture, and I feel like I got some of the most amazing portraits I've ever taken.  As I said before, it's really hard to describe in words all the emotions I was feeling... honored to be among people who thought so highly of me, horrified to see the conditions my fellow human beings were living in, guilty that I'm American and live a life of privilege. 

I had to opportunity to speak to them through the interpreter and I told them all that where I come from, we don't have areas like this and many people have no idea what these people have to deal with on a daily basis. I wanted so badly to fix this terrible situation. I mean, what can I do really? What can I say? So I said the only thing I could think of and I was shocked by a young girl's response. 

I told them all for the rest of my life, I'd be praying for them. That's all I could think of. And the young girl spoke up. While I waited for the SJ to interpret, I noticed the girls body language. To me it looked like she was saying don't pray for me, I don't believe the same as you. But what she really said was that they don't want to leave this place, they just want to government to take care of them... provide education, running water and that kind of thing.

In the United States so many people want to government to not take care of people. The poor are poor because they are lazy. This attitude absolutely disgusts me. We are all humans and we all deserve clean water, food, shelter and medical care. 

As I was making my way back to the car, SJ told me that there was a woman who couldn't walk, that wanted her picture taken. I'm so used to people not wanting their picture taken (in real life situations), it's still a little weird to me, but I was all too happy to oblige her. So I walked up to her hut and this is what I go. 

I feel as if her face tells such an amazing story. When I showed her the picture on the camera, she melted, and so did I. How can doing something so simple as taking someones picture, even when all they get is to see the thumbnail, bring such happiness to someone? I can tell you the joy and happiness was 100% mutual. 

Yesterday the ladies had the opportunity to go to the Pricilla Vocational Institute. The men had to stay behind because I guess they would have felt uncomfortable with guys being there but here are some of the pictures the ladies were able to snap.

This is skin bleaching. Women do it because it's supposed to remove facial hair, but also because lighter skin is considered more attractive than darker skin. Typically those in a higher cast have lighter skin. I know this is also an issue sometimes with African American's in the States. It's too bad we live in a world where people are considered beautiful because of the person they are on the inside rather than their skin color, cast, or socioeconomic status. I guess that's asking too much.

But they learn other skills too, like hair, massage and eyebrow threading (something I'm particularly interested in as my eyebrows are on a mission to take over the world... but I digress).

Stay tuned for more updates. I was able to charge my computer in someone else's room today but tomorrow we're moving to a new hotel so we'll just have to see what happens. 

We made it!

Originally I wanted to do daily video updates. But I'm not sure that will be possible unless I'm able to get an adapter that works with my lap top. In fact, I've got 8% batter power left right now so I'm going to be very brief.

First let me give you the back story behind these pictures...

This is the team right after hopping the pond. We were lucky enough to have a 12 hour layover in London. Bloody hell people! Look at those blokes:)

 This was the school we went to today. I'll write more about how this school works, but in a nut shell they basically train people on how to effectively minister to people. The thing that most impressed me was that they follow a model of pray, serve, then share. Pray for the person, help them out in some way, and share the Gospel when they ask, why are you doing this? It's how Jesus ministered and I never really realized that until I heard how they operate today



This is a picture of the students taking a break in the court yard. Everyone was so hospitable. They offered us chi tea, which was not like the chi I'm used to but still good none the less.

I really have so much more to share. I've been shooting video and taking pictures like crazy. But alas, my battery is down to 4% now and if I don't post soon, it wont get posted. So... keep coming back. I'll try and add more as I'm able.

Please keep our team in your prayers.

Murder Mystery

I'm thrilled to report the Murder Mystery Party was a lot of fun. We had a wonderful turn out and everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves. There are definitely a few tweaks and changes we'll make before the next one, but overall I feel like it was a complete success.

When it was all said and done we raised a total of $290 which puts us less than $300 away from the $1800 goal I gotta meet by the end of June.

A very special thank you to everyone who came out and those who continue to help support Mission: Impact India.

Also, thanks to www.playingwithmurder.com for a wonderfully written murder mystery party and their gracious support for Mission: Impact India.

Below are a few pictures from the event.

 

 

 

 

 

Mission Work

I just found a blog about some mission work already going on in India. The author is a friend of our pastor and I found it very interesting as this is the mission field we'll be heading to. The latest post "Big Jesus" is a great read. Check it out.

http://impactindia2013.blogspot.com/2013/05/big-jesus.html

Mom

Thank you mom, for putting up with me, for being my biggest supporter and helping me with all these fundraisers. You are the bomb. You are my mom. I love you. Happy Mothers Day.

Light Reading

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India

Flower Bananza!!

Okay ladies and gentlemen, I've got two dozen, count TWO DOZEN origami roses. One dozen are white and the other are made of magazine paper and are super cool. Both are $25 a piece and are first come first serve. Check out the pictures below.

Set Sail For Disaster

The murder mystery dinner party is less than two weeks away (Saturday May 18th 6:30pm-9:30pm). Please RSVP ASAP so I can get your character to you. $25 gets dinner, intrigue and MURDER. All aboard!

Salsa Success!

You'd think going to a Salsa lesson, assuming that's not already your thing, might be a bit awkward, and you'd probably be right. But last night's fundraiser was anything but. The food was good, the company couldn't be better, and before you knew it, it was all over.

I'm posting a few of the pics.

A huge thank you to Edna for volunteering to instruct and Cara for taking pictures. I'm also very grateful for everyone who came. It was a blast.

The event brought in $60 which now puts the grand total within the $1100's! More to follow on the June deadline and exactly how much I need to come up with.

Two more weeks until the Murder Mystery Dinner Party. That will also be a lot of fun.

Busted 1K!!!

THANK YOU to all the donors who have helped pushed the total amount of money collected for Mission:Impact India over $1000. I'm really really thankful and honored for the support.

Please continue to pray that these fundraisers are successful and I don't embarrass myself too bad. This weekend however, embarrassment may not be avoidable:)

I should have some pictures of the event posted by Sunday so keep your eyes peeled.

¡Ay, caramba!

So we're hard at work planning the next fundraiser. It's this Saturday at my place. We have a dance instructor who will join us for dinner then give us a lesson in Salsa! This is me definitely stepping out of my comfort zone so if you'd like to see me get down (or try to)... you better plan on being there.

$15 at the door will get you dinner and the lesson (or you can just watch me make a fool out of myself - I'm okay with that.)

On the menu:

Mexican Lasagna
Chicken Quesadilla
Fresh Salsa

Please give me a call or an email or a heads up if you're interested or have questions.

12 Origami Roses that NEVER DIE for ONLY $25!!

My mom folded these and she's working on some white ones and ones made out of magazine paper which are pretty cool. If you have a special request just send me an email. 100% of proceeds go to the mission trip. First come first serve. Send me an email at james.kever@gmail.com if you're interested.

Sushi night a success!

I'm happy to report tonight's fundraiser was a total success. $86 was brought in and we really had a good time. Jeff took pictures and he did an excellent job. I'm very grateful for the support. Here are some of those pictures.

Totally Getting Pumped

Thank you Paul for your generous donation.

This Saturday will be the first of several fundraisers and I'd be lying if I didn't admit I'm a little nervous. A few new people I don't know very well are coming so I'm looking forward to the opportunity to get to know them.

There's still room if you're interested in coming. It's make  your own sushi dinner and it's only $15 at the door, or what ever  you can afford. I wont turn anyone away who wants to come but can't afford it.

I'm also really excited to see God working. Things are happening, and I feel as if it's God doing his thing. What an amazing feeling it is to feel like God is working through you. That really is the paycheck of the missionary, and it beats any feeling material wealth can offer.

Publicly, who do you endorse?

Whoever publicly acknowledges Jesus before others, Jesus will acknowledge also before the angels of God.

That Guy

I created a tri-fold pamphlet on the mission trip and how people can support it. I'm going to start passing them out, putting them on cars and just getting them out there as best I can. Maybe people will get annoyed. I suppose I'm willing to take that hit.

It may not be Easter...

But Jesus is still risen and alive. I am so grateful to be able to say that and believe it with every atom in my body. I've met people recently who don't believe and don't want to. Unfortunately nearly every one of them considered themselves at one time Christian. It's too easy to say they weren't sincere enough. It wasn't really real, or what ever we as Christians would like to say to explain it away, but the truth is, you believe or you don't.

We have free will and can do anything we want.

I believe. I truly truly believe. What a wonderful gift that is!

What does a missionary do? The missionary spreads the gospel, the story of Christ rising from the dead, and how accepting him has the consequence of eternal life and a terribly interesting life while here on earth.

My mother, wonderful woman that she is has donated $125! Thank you mom. I'm so grateful. $25 of that donation came from a dozen origami roses she folded and sold. They say behind every successful man there's a woman, and for me, that is my mother. Her support encourages me to press on. Which is what I'm doing.

Update...

Hello everyone. I had a donation come in yesterday for $25 from Janet B. Thank you Janet. You get access to the daily video updates during the mission trip and the final DVD.

I'm getting ready for the upcoming fundraisers. The next one is Sushi night on April 20th. I'm going to start promoting that in about a week or so.

I'm also drafting plans to put together a video where I'll talk to our contacts in India via Skype about the work that is being done there and will be done there when we come. I'm also planning to speak with Melba, the missions pastor at the church to discuss specifics about the mission trip.

I'm starting to get questions from people about the trip and a video might be a good way to answer these questions for everyone.

What I really don't want people to think is that this is some sort of vacation. I can see the temptation in that. Try and get people to pay for my vacation to India, right? There is more to this trip. I'm not sure exactly what that "more" is going to be, but I invite you to join me and see.

Fundraiser Schedule

I hope everyone enjoyed the Easter celebration. I know I did. I apologise for taking so long to update this blog but I promise lots of work has been happening behind the scenes.

First order of business! I have the schedule for the fundraisers. There is a calender at the bottom of the blog but here is the official schedule:

Fundraisers for Mission: India

All events will be at 66 Richard Ave, Severn MD 21144

Hosted by James Kever: 443.691.7564

Make your own Sushi dinner
April 20^th 7:30pm - 9:30pm
$15 at the door. Fresh Sushi Grade Tuna along with cucumber, avocado, cream cheese and ginger.
100% of money collected goes to Mission: India

Dinner, snacks and a Salsa Lesson

May 4^th 6:30pm – 9:30pm
$15 at the door. Dinner and a salsa lesson.
100% of money collected goes to Mission: India

Murder Mystery Dinner

May 18^th 6:30pm – 9:30pm
$25 at the door. Must RSVP by May 4^th to receive your character.
Limit of 12 tickets to be sold. Dinner and intrigue included!
100% of money collected goes to Mission: India

Origami Bingo

June 1^st 6:30pm-8:30pm
$10 per card. Snacks and music.
100% of money collected goes to Mission: India

Murder Mystery Dinner 2
June 15^th  6:30pm – 9:30pm
$25 at the door. Must RSVP by June 1^st to receive your character.
Limit of 12 tickets to be sold. Dinner and intrigue included!
100% of money collected goes to Mission: India

Kinect Bowling Tournament

June 29^th 6:30pm – 9:30pm
$10 at the door. Snacks and food served
100% of money collected goes to Mission: India

A couple details: The murder mystery dinners will be limited to no more than 12 people. This is to ensure a good time will be had by all and that nobody gets lost in the mayhem. Everything else is open to as many people as would like to come.

If you'd like to pay with a credit card, that is completely okay. I've got the PayPal card reader.

I'm really looking forward to this and I'd ask for prayers to ensure everything goes off without a hitch!

Thanks everyone.

Jamie

Progress

Greetings everyone! I'm really starting to get pumped about fundraising, as crazy as that sounds. I have another idea for something kind of fun. I may host a party at my house and charge something like $10 or $15 a head, and we can all make sushi. Sushi is relatively easy to make, and I have all the things necessary to make rolls. The Commissary sells sushi grade tuna and salmon. Throw in some good music and I think it could really work.

I'll hash out dates sometime early next week, so please check back then.

PayPal sent me a credit card reader that I'm able to use on my cell phone. This will be helpful for people, like myself, who don't carry cash. I tested it out when it came and donated $5 to the fund. The system will text you or email you a receipt so that is nice.

I realize some people may feel awkward just handing me money. I mean, some people may not know me very well or are uncomfortable just giving money to something like this, so I put together a document you can always check to see what money is coming in, who gave it (not using last names, just last name initials) and basically what makes up the running total. I put a link under where the grand total is on this website, but you can also check out the public document here:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bPTZ_fvK4CJOMamEHBsPhgm9Y8vhBo7OUj_Mho_89Ys/edit?usp=sharing

Finally, I mentioned in my last post that Kim from my church is about to go to Kabale Uganda. This is her second time going and she leaves Saturday and comes back April 1st. If you're a believer, please pray that God exceeds the mission team's expectations as far as doing God's work there. Pray for their safety and that the people they will minister to and help will truly be blessed and most importantly that they see Jesus through these missionaries, and hopefully accept Him as their savior.

Woot woot!

Ladies and gentlemen, we have our first $100 donor! Aaron, because of your support, you get access to the daily video updates during the mission trip, a DVD with the final video showcasing the entire mission trip, and an origami box of your choosing (once I get the origami super store up - coming soon) with a hand chosen souvenir from India for you to keep in said box. And since I know you, I'll be sure to pick out something you'll appreciate.

I'm very encouraged that people are giving. As June gets closer, I'll count the money in my piggy bank and make the deposit to the mission trip fund, and as I get paid I'll also continue to give as I'm able. There will also be a few fundraisers coming up (hopefully Salsa night and maybe a bake sale and definitely a portrait fundraiser) so keep your eyes peeled.

I do so look forward to the day when the focus of this blog can shift from raising money to the actual mission trip. This really is uncomfortable for me.

I know the level of material wealth in India is pale in comparison to what we here in the States are used to. I really feel like we as American Christians can gain some much needed insight by seeing what Indian Christians make due with and their perspective and attitude about it all.

Finally, please keep all aspects of this mission trip in your prayers. From fundraising, to laying the groundwork, to the continued effort to keep God first in every aspect of this trip.

Just Dance

I've been a little nervous about the lack of money coming in for the trip. I was a little surprised. Now I'm a little surprised that I was surprised. I mean, did I really expect this to be easy? What fun would that be? So I said a little prayer asking God to show me how to raise some money, as you know I have to get something like $1800 by June 15th for the ticket and some other things. I'll find out more and share soon.

A few weeks back there was this new couple at Church, John and Kim. Mom and I sat next to them and we had a nice conversation about juicing (which I'm a bit fanatical about). We also discussed Netflix and all the nutrition and food documentaries you can stream. That's the back story.

Fast forward to this past Sunday. As I was getting ready something inside kind of said they would be there. A lot of times I don't really trust this inner voice as I never really know when it's just me or it could be the Holy Spirit. But I remember thinking in my head it would be cool if they were there, that I really enjoyed talking with both of them.

And as fate would have it, they were. But here's the kicker. Kim is about to go to Uganda on a mission trip. When I found out, I asked her if she could share with me some fundraising ideas, to which she did. She had been fundraising since November for this upcoming trip and she had many ideas that I'm currently developing right now.

The two biggest ideas that I'm most excited about is Salsa Night at Kever Manor! What am I talking about, right? I just met a girl who loves to Salsa dance and I think I got her to agree to teach people how to do it. So I'll have a party of sorts, charge $10 at the door (100% proceeds go to the mission trip) and we can all learn to Salsa. I think it sounds like a lot of fun and a great excuse to make some fresh salsa and Latin food.

Anyhow, I have to work on it a bit more but I think it sounds like a lot of fun.

The next idea is maybe to do a bake sale. I can cook. Maybe I can con others into cooking some stuff, and I can park it outside a Giant Supermarket for a few hours selling baked goods. Of course I'll offer free samples as the Amish do that at their market and it works really well.

So there's some good news here. I suppose the bad news, or uncomfortable news (I should say) is this is really challenging me to step outside of my comfort zone. But I'm game. What's the worst that can happen?

Finally, I'd like to recognize two people for their support. Carlo for retweeting the support message and making a donation. I'm very grateful that you've taken an interest in what I'm doing. And @missionsmanual on Twitter for the retweet. Words can't explain how happy I am that people are paying attention.

Ultimately all this that I'm doing, isn't even for me. It's for the people in India where we're going. I want to be a part of showing God's love to these people, who live content and fulfilled at a much standard of living than we do. Who knows, maybe these Indians can show me something about God too.

Ouch

Part of being an adult is having to pay bills. This is not my favorite thing to do at all. I used to love pay days, but as I've gotten older, I actually don't enjoy them as much. It seems like the money is gone before it's even in my account. In fact it is. I often push bills I can back to the next pay day, so in a very real sense, the money is spent before I even make it.

For many years now I've tithed. I'm not trying to brag or get special recognition. In fact, the Bible says not to let the right hand know what the left hand is doing (Mat 6:3), so I'm a bit uncomfortable even discussing this at all. And while the Bible says to tithe 10% (Gen 14:20) over the past year I've been doing more like 20%. Yes, it's uncomfortable, but 1) I feel called to do this and 2) I'd like to be considered by God to be like the woman who threw two copper coins into the offering plate, who gave out of her poverty (Mark 12:44). Although I think I'm very far from what this woman did, I do enjoy (or at least I try very hard to enjoy) giving to the point that it hurts.

So for this mission trip, I refuse to divert the money I normally give to my church and to other ministries to what I need for the mission trip. If I did, would that really be having faith that God is calling me to do this and will provide? I don't think so.

I said yesterday after I worked out my bills, I'd make a contribution to the India fund and I have. $50. Not much and certainly I'm not anywhere near where I need to be in June but it's something. And I made the contribution without taking away from what I normally give.

There were two new shares of my post on Facebook that I want to recognize. Thank you Pastor Dave for reposting to your Church and to your audience for the Men of the Bible FB page. I'm very very grateful.

Please pray for the others trying to raise support to go on this mission trip. Also pray that God works now to prepare our path to do his work when we get there.

Thank you.

I was hoping for more of a response after my big social media push last night. That being said I'm still very grateful for mom and Sue, the first two initial donors. They also shared my FaceBook post asking for support. Thank you both. I'd also like to thank Tim, Jorge, and Matthew for retweeting my twitter message asking for support. Matthew even came up with his own tweet encouraging others to help out.

I really appreciate the help from you all.

I'm going to have to come up with something else though as this is not nearly enough to fund the mission.

If anyone has any ideas, I'm all ears.

I was talking to someone today about all this and she mentioned, this is not the economic climate to be asking people for support. Maybe she's right. I wonder if God cares about the economic climate when it comes to reaching out to people in need and sharing the gospel.

I just got paid today. Tomorrow when I figure out my bills, I'll make as big of a contribution as possible to the trip. I've got to come up with close to $1800 by June 15th (I think) and I'm a bit nervous but I'm placing my faith in God that he'll work this all out.

One thing I must remember: just as important as raising enough support to make this trip a reality, I need to be praying - everyone needs to be praying that God lays the foundation now for what our team will do in India when we go. It's easy though to focus on the wrong things and I don't want to make that mistake.

Big Scary Idea

I was in the shower last night when I had this big scary idea. It may not work and it certainly may make me look silly but I'm willing to give it a shot. I'm going to ask people on Twitter, famous people and not so famous people to retweet my request for support along with a link to this site. If just one person with a bunch of followers says yes, then who knows what could happen.

I've been praying about this all day. I feel a little bit like Jonah. Is God really asking me to do this? People are going to ridicule me. But I'm going to do it any ways.

I told our small group my plan and they gave me a few suggestions on who to ask.

Here goes nothing.

Preparing to go live!

I've been working on this website for a few days, getting all the information together and figuring out my role on this mission trip. I truly fear putting myself out there asking others for support and I'm not exactly sure why. Maybe because this involves money, and to ask for it makes me feel needy or weak. I do however feel the familiar call to step outside of my comfort zone and in a strange way I'm able to take comfort in that.

I'll be documenting this trip through photography and video work. I'm not exactly sure what God has in store, but I invite you to join me through the media I'll produce.

If you're a Christian, I ask for your prayers. If God moves you to support this mission, please do so and know that I'm truly grateful and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

If you're not a Christian, I hope you'll pay attention to this blog just to see what comes out of all this. I'll do my best to share compelling media about what we're doing there and who knows, maybe you'll see something extraordinary.

In any event, my motives in this endeavor are to serve God, love my neighbor and finally to seek the Kingdom of God.

Here we go!

Finally a good cause for my piggy bank.

I've been throwing dollars and spare change in this glass blown wine vat not really sure what I'd eventually use the money for. I figured I'd get a full frame DSLR camera or the iPhone 20 or something. But I'd rather spend this money on the mission trip to India. So you know that I'm not just looking for hand outs, but am willing to work and put forth some of my own support, I wanted to share this with you. I figure there's a hundred or two in there. I'll cash this out as I approach my first fundraising mile marker in June.

Now is the time.

It has been years since I've been on a mission trip. The last one was with the campus ministry I was a part of at the University of Kentucky and we went to Mexico. It was hard work for sure but worth it on many levels as I still have fond memories of the people we built the two homes for and the great people I was working with. But that was in college. The idea of going on a mission trip was not something I really entertained, even when the church I recently moved to started suggesting it. But one Sunday, a voice said inside me, you'll be going on this trip and you'll be producing video for it. I immediately shushed the voice and almost as quickly felt convicted. That is how all this began.

I started praying about it and asking questions. My biggest concern was money, so at first I just assumed I'd pay for it out of my own pocket. What I really didn't want to do was approach friends, family and acquaintances, asking for support. I started crunching the numbers to see if I could afford it on my own. And even though now I know I probably can't pay for it on my own, my heart was convicted. Why, if God was telling me to do this, would I be embarrassed to do it? I can do almost anything else God asks me, but asking others for help? Is that the line I wont cross?

No.

So I'm not sure if I can raise enough to fund this trip, but I'll try my hardest. In in return, I have something to work for that will please God, and I plan to blog the whole way through.

The trip is the week of Thanksgiving and there's a lot to do before then. I believe I need to raise $1800 by June so I have some work to do.

Even if you're not able to donate anything to this, I would still appreciate your prayers and attention. God is going to do some amazing things here. I know because that is who he is.