One Week in Africa: Please help us get there!

The Need
Many of you have kindly asked how you can help us get to Swaziland. We definitely appreciate your prayers for us as we prepare, and for the friends we will minister with, and the people we will minster to as well. Financially, we could also use support and would like to explain where the funds will go that we are given and earn.

Obviously, the cost for air travel is very high and we are looking at flights now, which average $2,000-2,200 each! We will need money in country as well, for shuttle from the Johannesburg airport to Manzini (4-5 hours away) where the McAdams and Clyburn families live, and then back to the airport, plus money for food while we are there. We desire to give back to the carepoints by giving toward purchase of school uniforms, or shoes, or possibly to put toward school tuition. There are many ways to use needed funds, and closer to time, we will confirm with the team there what the most urgent need is.

The Total Figure
We are estimating Alli and I each need $3,000 for this trip, and that is an overwhelming sum of money to our way of thinking, but not when we know that God has called us and is already providing. This blog post will inform you of upcoming fundraisers and opportunities if you would like to financially give toward our trip expenses. We realize everyone is not able to do so, and please know that we do not expect that. We prefer to not ask anyone for money, but I have been reminded more than once lately, that it is a blessing to give as well as receive. I know in my own life, many times it has been more of a blessing. So, we are sharing the needs, and trusting that those who are to give monetarily will do so, and those who cannot will feel no guilt! We know many folks send out letters requesting support for missions trips, which we will do as well, but also are glad we can earn some of this money by making something or giving something back to those who are helping us.

Current and Upcoming Fundraisers

Currently, I am selling chocolate dipped strawberries by the dozen, and also handmade wreaths for Valentine's Day treats. These are both listed on my Facebook page with photos, if you are interested. I'll be delivering locally on Monday, the day before Valentine's. I have received numerous orders these past few days and am so excited to be able to make something for friends and see the first funds coming in already! Berries are $20 per dozen, unless you also order cupcakes from my friend (also shown on FB), and then you'll save a bit by getting a dozen cupcakes and strawberries for $36 total, instead of the regular $40. Please order by this Friday, the 9th, for Monday delivery.

Then on February 19, Alli and I will be hosting an African Fiesta at our church after the worship service that day. We will get started right at noon, and continue serving until 2:00. This is our big fundraiser, so we'd love a great turnout. No matter which church you attend, if you eat out on Sunday, wouldn't it be great to eat homecooked food with friends and support a great cause? Yes, we know fiestas are not originally African, but as a tribute to sweet Amy who enjoys and misses tacos, and due to its mass appeal, we decided this was the perfect cuisine to offer. We will have taco salad and nacho bars with lots of toppings, as well as white chicken chili and taco soup. There will be festive music and it'll be a great time to fellowship with wonderful food. Tickets go on sale this Sunday at our church, or you can request them from Alli or myself anytime.

Details: noon - 2:00 on Sunday, 2/19

$6 per adult and $3 for children over 4

The Church at Shelby Crossings, 532 George Roy Parkway, Calera AL.

Other fundraisers to come: We will have a Premiere jewelry party in March, and the friend who has offered to do this for us is giving us a great deal of profit and incentive for orders. Also, I will be posting crafts, African themed art, and some painted pieces for sale, and Alli will be offering a limited number of photography sessions in the spring, so stay tuned to take advantage of those. If you have any other ideas or questions, please let us know. We appreciate your prayers and know that without God's direction and leading others to help, this trip would be impossible.

Jennifer and Alli