About two weeks ago, Amanda and I realized we needed to raise $7,220.00 in order to buy the beds and mosquito nets for all 57 children at Hope Care Child Program, not $4,000.00 like we had thought all along. At this point, we were burnt out, sold out of t-shirts, and lacking resources. People told us it was okay to give up and be happy with what we had already raised. But Amanda and I decided to keep on trying... even if we had our own doubts, we didn't give up. And I am SO happy to announce that as of today we have reached our fundraising goal for Love Uganda T-Shirts!!! We have officially raised $8,000.00, surpassing our goal of $7,220.00! Monday was my 20th birthday and I couldn't have asked for a better birthday present. I can't believe that in FIVE DAYS, I will be boarding a plane to Uganda!
I named my blog "Something Beautiful" because I want to do something beautiful in this world and experience something beautiful. I think this Love Uganda fundraiser is exactly that. I think it's beautiful that people from all over the United States have joined together to support these children in Africa, regardless of different beliefs, backgrounds, or financial statuses we may hold. Hundreds of people have ordered shirts, most of whom I have never met in my life, and many have donated funds. My friends have also supported me throughout this entire process, whether that was by giving their time to help, or by praying for me. This has truly been the most humbling process in my entire life and I am in awe of people's giving hearts and generosity. I find beauty in this community that has joined together, and I have found beauty in the many twists and turns during this journey to raising the money. As my friend Sara once said, "I find beauty in dependence on God for strength in the unknown." This quote describes much of my experience. I have never had to depend on God so much in my life. I had no idea how all of the funds would come in, but God beautifully orchestrated all of it. I could list off countless stories where God provided in ways I never could have imagined. The verse 1 Thessalonians 5:24 has come to life for me, "The one who has called me is faithful and He will do it."
I know the day we set up the beds and mosquito nets for the children at Hope Care Child Program will be the best day in my entire life, and I'm not quite sure I can even prepare myself for it. I want to say thank you to everyone again who has been a part of this journey. I cannot wait to share pictures, videos, and stories with you!
I named my blog "Something Beautiful" because I want to do something beautiful in this world and experience something beautiful. I think this Love Uganda fundraiser is exactly that. I think it's beautiful that people from all over the United States have joined together to support these children in Africa, regardless of different beliefs, backgrounds, or financial statuses we may hold. Hundreds of people have ordered shirts, most of whom I have never met in my life, and many have donated funds. My friends have also supported me throughout this entire process, whether that was by giving their time to help, or by praying for me. This has truly been the most humbling process in my entire life and I am in awe of people's giving hearts and generosity. I find beauty in this community that has joined together, and I have found beauty in the many twists and turns during this journey to raising the money. As my friend Sara once said, "I find beauty in dependence on God for strength in the unknown." This quote describes much of my experience. I have never had to depend on God so much in my life. I had no idea how all of the funds would come in, but God beautifully orchestrated all of it. I could list off countless stories where God provided in ways I never could have imagined. The verse 1 Thessalonians 5:24 has come to life for me, "The one who has called me is faithful and He will do it."
I know the day we set up the beds and mosquito nets for the children at Hope Care Child Program will be the best day in my entire life, and I'm not quite sure I can even prepare myself for it. I want to say thank you to everyone again who has been a part of this journey. I cannot wait to share pictures, videos, and stories with you!
Another beautiful part of this journey has been seeing passion instilled in others. Soon after Amanda and I started the Love Uganda fundraiser, one of our friends Kelsey decided she wanted to do something too. She had the wonderful idea to sew new pillowcases for all 150 children at Hope Care Child Program. She called this project, "Threads of Hope." I loved this idea because these children never get anything just for themselves. Kelsey, with the help of others, sewed individual pillowcases for each child! They are fun colors with all different designs, whether they are polka dots, stripes, african animals, etc. She also got people to write letters to each child that we will attach to the pillowcases. These pillowcases and letters will help remind these children that they are special and loved, and that people out there are praying for them. I'm so excited to deliver all of the pillowcases and letters this summer!
We are asking everyone to wear their Love Uganda t-shirt THIS Monday, May 23rd, to celebrate that all of the funds are raised, and to support us as we leave for Uganda that day! Please take a picture of you and/or your friends wearing the shirts and send them to me at: [email protected] or post it on the Love Uganda Facebook page's wall! We will take all of these pictures with us to Hope Care Child Program to share with the children and Pastor Fred! Thanks again for being a part of this beautiful journey, we truly appreciate it!