Beautiful Generosity & Departing

I can hardly believe it! The day has nearly come...I am departing, and more importantly I am leaving with warm wishes, prayers, and the knowledge that so many people believe in the work I will be doing with many others at Farm of the Child. When I found out that I was accepted to Farm of the Child, my first thought was "Wow!" My second was, "Oh no, how am I going to raise over $10,000 in 3 months! It is impossible." I was so wrong.

I have fundraised before and have always been told that people need to have a chance to say "No" and that people cannot give unless given the chance. So, I went with these general rules when approaching that daunting number that makes my volunteering possible. My highest goal was to have at least $7,000...$8,000 at best before leaving on Aug. 2nd. I completely underestimated others' generosity.

I have witnessed beautiful generosity over the past few months. From the beginning, donations came when I least expected them. This continued over the months. From large donations coming from Lasallian Communities to friends spending much time (and even money) to help me get together my websites and mailings to stories of similar experinces of service paired with a donation, from my home parish helping me raise nearly $2000.00 to another local church donating because they admire the cause, people have shared so much with me and the Farm. Others found ways to give by helping organize fundraisers, paying for my new glasses before I go, or just simply stopping to inquire about what I am doing. The generosity of others has been incredible and more than I imagined. I am happy to report that I have reached my fundraising goal of $11,000!

Thus, I depart with a slightly nervous but warm and hopeful heart. Thank you so much to everyone for all you have done to support me. So many people tell me that they do not know how I could be doing what I am doing; however, I really could not be doing it without so many people believing in what I am doing. Mucho Gracias.

PS...Though I have reached my fundrasing goal, it does not mean that you should not make a donation if you were planning to. All money that is in my name but I do not use over the next 2.5 years will be donated to Farm of the Child directly. It all goes to this amazing mission. You may also want to consider sending supplies that are always needed. Look at the Farm's website to find out what they need most. (www.farmofthechild.org)