The joys of fundraising

The other night I was on the phone with one of my friends, and this mission trip came up.  When she asked me if I had raised all the support yet, I couldn't help but laugh.  I told her I'm about 1/4 of the way there, and that I was just trusting that God will provide.  When I hung up the phone, I started to get really anxious.  I realized that I only have 6 more months to raise $12,000, and that's not even covering vaccinations, my travel expenses to training camp, and any other things that I would need.  Reality then hit me.  I'm not going back to college next year, I'm not going to see my family for nine months, and I'm not going to have a shower every morning.  Then, I started agreeing with people who have been telling me that I'm crazy for giving up a year to go to third world countries  I then started to question God, and ask him if this really is the right thing that I'm doing.  That night, Jesus brought me to this passage: "…go, sell all you posessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.  Then come, follow me." Matthew 19:21  I then realized that this is what Jesus has called me to do.  He invited me on an exciting adventure where I get to travel with 25 other people, who love him and love other people.  I get to join Jesus in ministering to people who have no hope.  I then realized that yes, I am crazy.  I'm crazy for the God who loves me unconditionally, and I'm crazy to show other people this love.
So now, let's talk about fundraising.  God has definately been providing for my needs, but I'm also going to start a couple fundraisers.
First, I'm selling T-Shirts.  They are $20 each.  For those of you who live far away I will gladly ship it to you for $22.  The shirts come in all standard sizes.  They are blue and say "Run the Race" on the front and has 1 Corinthians 9:26-27 on the back.  All you would have to do would pay me in advance, and I'll gladly order one for you!
Second, I'm selling bracelets.  They are $3 each.  For those of you who live farther away, I will gladly send them to you for $5 each.  This just covers shipping.
Third, I'm selling soaps.  You would have your choice of Lemongrass, Cinnamon Cassia, Spearmint, and lavender.  They cost $10 each and for out of town they would cost $12.
God has definately provided, and I have enjoyed watching him provide.  I'm really excited to see how he is going to continue to provide.  To place an order, please email me at [email protected]
Thanks!
Jessica