Show Me the Money

I've known it for so long. I have known it. Even a six-year-old can know something as deep as the desire to venture to planet as unknown as deep, dark Africa. That summer, last summer, was equivalent to an appetizer, a tease to the senses. Since coming home, most of my imaginings have gone into scheming a return. It is not a just a "place," or a place to live or a place to be. It is a place that I belong for a great while I believe because A) I have something learn and B) something to give.

I am no longer comfortable with the idea of building a suburban life, erecting picket fences and keeping my neighbors on the other side. The prevailing concept of "enough" I find overwhelmingly too much. What I want is to take my tools and build something. That is why I study for an education, is it not? It is to make and to do, to create and to serve.

When my initial plan to make a documentary investigating the orphan care system of Ethiopia fell through due to a lack of funding, I stared at the wall for sometime. What was I to do with this conviction that tugged so strongly night and day - that so often stole my breathe and spilled my tears? "God, you asked me. I said yes. Where does that leave now?" WAIT? It was far to late for waiting! But wait I did.

Two days later I visited to the head of our study abroad programs. She suggested I make a facebook group as one means of raising support. "A little tacky," I thought, "but sure. It can't hurt to try." In addition, I set up a Pledgie account. Pledgie is an online donation facilitation site available to help any cause raise funding (see http://pledgie.com/).

In an unbelievable six days, you all enabled me to raise more than the essential $3,065.00. Along the way I was astonished and honored by donations from people I hardly knew, many of whom wish to remain anonymous (such as the party who offered to cover ONE HALF (!) of the expense). Your generosity stole what little breath Ethiopia had not already taken. There was one afternoon - I believe it was the third day - that two different women each wrote me checks for $500.00 dollars in addition to the two $100.00 checks from two college mates I barely know!

If I have learned one thing it is that my God requires my willingness only. He covers the rest. When, in my frustration over the financial situation, I said to him, "God, I don't care how and perhaps not even why just yet but I do declare that I am ready and willing to go or to stay, whatever you choose. Just know that I know the financial piece is in your hands and your hands only." I left it at that. My faith has grown so much that I no longer ask God "how?" I ask Him "if." No matter what He asks, I know He will make a way. He always has and He always will.

With sufficient funding, a steal of a plain ticket, old equipment from last year's travels, and housing with a friend's family, I am MORE than covered. I think I am saturated. This is only the beginning.