Renewed outlook & energy

For me as a teacher, summer is always about renewing my energy and starting again.  As such, I've been able to spend some time refocusing and thinking about how I can better fundraise.  I've been doing good things, but as my pastor says, sometimes we have to say no to good things to say yes to the best things.

So with that in mind, I hope to spend more energy on the best things, including fundraising.

I have completed my Travel & Expense funds, and am currently at 22% of my monthly pledge goals.  I've had to push back my goal departure date because I'm not at 100% yet.  My new goal is January 2017.

Back on the horse!

Best,
Jane

April Update

After the big push for the cookie fundraiser I found that I was exhausted.  I haven't had the time or energy to work on fundraising this month, but the Lord still provides.

"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."  Psalm 91:4

I found refuge and grace.  Even though I felt like I wasn't doing what I was supposed to be doing, He is so patient and kind:  My first effort at fundraising in a month was today at church.  I asked a friend of mine whether she'd consider sponsoring me, and she said 'for sure! We (her and her husband) just need to sit down and talk about how much'.

I thank God because every time I've been discouraged, He has encouraged me by providing more support.

In His Service,
Jane

March Update

Alyse & Cedric coolin' with the cookies

This month has been Cookie Fundraiser Month.  I had 13 bakers making 12 types of cookies, bars
and tarts: spicy chocolate, gluten free oatmeal, peanut butter bars, red velvet with white chocolate chips, rocky road bars, gluten free vegan breakfast cookies, nutella chocolate chip cookies, cranberry shortbread, classic chocolate chip, egg tarts and world peace cookies.  Woo! I've never baked so much in my LIFE.

Many thanks to my bakers who put in countless hours of baking to produce delicious treats for my supporters!  Thanks to the wonderful and talented Alyse, Cedric, Matt, Genny, Jason, Laura, Esther, Jenn, Cherie, Jun, Melvine, and Daniela!

We made and sold 1311 cookies and made $1103 for the T&E fund!  Praise God!

Professional cookie model Joanne highlighting 4 of our delicious cookies

Now that the Travel & Expense fund is virtually finished, I need to focus on my monthly donations fund.  Please pray that I will be able to find time, energy and people willing to partner with me.
Best,
Jane

February Update

A friend of mine invited me to visit his Homechurch (our church's small groups) to present my mission to them this past month.   The questions and discussion that it spurred was really encouraging.

In addition, this has been a month of surprises.  Friends from Ottawa who I didn't speak to about my mission, but heard about it through my Dad agreed to sponsor me!  Also, a friend and colleague of mine who is not a Christian sponsored me as well!  It's a constant surprise as to who God will use to help me, and I'm so blessed by this.

My homechurch is also working together to do a cookie fundraiser!  We hope to raise the rest of the T&E fund through this and generally raise awareness as well.  Stay tuned for more information!

Here is my current progress:

January Update

Happy New Year!

Since I started my fundraising campaign in December I've been so blessed by people pledging support and giving donations.  Many thanks to Rebecca, Jason, Jordan, Liz and Ingle, who are my first sponsors!  With their help I am now at $3500 for my Travel and Expense Account and $200 in monthly pledges.

I still have a ways to go yet, since I need $3350 in monthly pledges, but I am so thankful and blessed by the help I've gotten so far!

Best,
Jane