Yes, I am at 100%! People, including many of you, have promised to get involved in God’s work in West Africa by working together to meet 100% of my “ongoing financial needs.” That means that as these people give so generously and faithfully I will have 100% of my budget and will be able to put 100% of myself into the work God has for me in West Africa. That is so amazing and a great answer to prayer. Thank you so much to those of you who are part of that (and you know who you are). Thank you!!
I am also at about 80% of my set-up costs, which is getting there! That’s for expenses such as shots (which I’ve found are both painful and expensive), a plane ticket, the things I will need to buy when I first get to West Africa, possibly a moped or other way to get around, and my house that I will have built in the village in a few years. To be perfectly honest, though, I don’t really know how much those things will all cost and, as I’m getting closer to my departure date (read on to know more), I’m realizing that things will likely cost more than I was expecting. So I will continue to save the gifts I receive for set-up costs for those things. If I receive any other ongoing gifts I plan to use those for increases in set-up costs that will come up or to be able to meet some needs of the tribal people I will be serving.
So now the big question – Since you’re at 100% of your ongoing financial needs being met, when are you leaving? And the answer is: I’m not really sure. As of today it’s looking like it will be in January or February, 2013. Several of those who have promised to partner with me can’t start until December or January. This also gives me time to work a few part-time jobs to save more for my start-up costs, buy supplies and pack, learn more to prepare myself better for future ministry in West Africa, and (this is my mom’s favorite) stay home for Christmas. The missionaries already in West Africa also have a lot of work to do to get ready for me to come, so a big factor in when I can go is when they’ll be ready for me. I’ll keep you posted!