Rock Bottom Deals!

It seems like each month is full of new experiences and feelings. October has been no exception. It has been a hard and exciting month. I spent the first week or so in Chicago.

I went into Balsamo, Olsen and Lewis (my old architecture firm), because they were kind enough to let me use a computer with AutoCAD to work on some drawings for The Dream Project. I hadn’t been back to the office since my trip last year. I ended up showing Sal (my former boss) my book and he bought 2 books! Not only that but he asked if I could come in and work for him for a week. He also joked about setting me up for remote access so I could work from Africa!

Judy was also excited about the work I’m doing and she told me about this place called Rock Bottom Deals. She asked me to create a wish list of items for Africa…

I checked out the site and it’s pretty cool. You are able to buy things in bulk at a discounted price, for example you can buy coloring books that would cost $3.00… for $.60 the only thing is you have to buy 12. But what a deal!

The best part is you can make wish lists for others to fulfill =). So I created a Dream Project wish list and Judy hooked us up! I’m excited to say I have 2 boxes full of things like puzzles, coloring books, hand-sanitizer, and cups have arrived for Christmas!

The day after I got home from Chicago, I didn’t move. My whole body ached and my throat was starting to hurt. I never realized how exhausting this would be. I love sharing. I love talking about my passion for these boys and Mozambique. I guess I just never realized how mentally and emotionally exhausting it was.

Support Update:

I’ve raise 50% of the funds needed for my trip in January and 14% of my goal for monthly support.

Where did September go?

On September 24^th I was asked to share at the American Baptist Churches of Michigan annual pastors meeting. They had a panel of short-term missionaries all share about their trips and give advise about short-term trips. Here is a little of what I shared…

Even though my trip was only 7 weeks long, I began looking for an international group to serve with 2 years before. Watching door after door close or not even open was hard, but I just knew this is what God was calling me to. As I was preparing to leave for Mozambique I knew that I was going in God’s perfect timing. Time and time again on my trip I was reminded just how perfect the timing was. I have a friend who likes to say “nothing is wasted in God’s economy,” many days in Mozambique I found comfort looking back over my life and thinking God was preparing me for this day, nothing has been a waste.

September ended with a book party. My friend Leslie was kind enough to open her home and allow me to sell my books and share the passion that has been laid on my heart for the beautiful country of Mozambique. Thanks Leslie!

For the first time I also sold pictures and purses. I’ve had a few people ask if they could buy pictures and so I’ve created a book to show which prints are for sale and what they cost.

When I was in Moz I bought about 10 or 12 yards of fabric convinced I would do something cool with it when I came home. On my trip to Mozambique I carried a fabric purse. I took it with me everywhere and it was awesome but I remember a few times wishing it was a little bit bigger. About a month ago I decided I would sew myself a bigger purse out of my Moz fabric. I loved it so much I decided I would keep sewing bags and try to sell them to raise money.

I've got a few more book parties lines up between now and the end of the year, but if you would like to host a party at your home, church, school or anywhere you can think of please email me at amanda@thedream-project.org.

Support Update:

I’ve raise 41% of the funds needed for my trip in January and 14% of my goal for monthly support.

Prayer Requests;

- My health

- Building project in Pemba. Walt and Trent arrived yesterday and will begin building tomorrow!

Can you sign my shirt?

I started off September with a trip to Missouri. My dad, Linnea and I drove down to Neosho to visit family. We volunteered for a day in Joplin, tearing out the floor of a home. Joplin was hit by a huge tornado in May. The tornado tore right though town, not only taking out one of Joplin’s hospitals, but also the majority of it’s school and killing over 160 people. I’ve been going to Joplin my whole life and I lived there in 2005… it was surreal going back.

Google's picture 1220 Roland... pre-tornado.

1220 Roland post-tornado... crazy.

Dad & I pulling up the floor.

Yep... I wore my TOMS =)

Almost done!

On our way home we went to Kansas City, Missouri so that I could speak at Paxton School. I was asked in as a guest author by the Librarian, Jennifer Day, to speak to the entire school of 4^th and 5^th graders (just under 400 students). I hadn’t spoken to Jen in probably 10 years when she reached out to me on Facebook. She asked if I could come share how I wrote the book as well as some of my experiences in Mozambique. I was both thrilled and honored that she would ask… and was very excited for this opportunity!

I was given the choice of speaking to small, medium or large groups. I went with small and so I shared eight times in two days! The students were so amazing though! I wasn’t sure what to expect, but they paid attention and asked really good follow up questions.

I showed part of my trip video and asked the students some questions while pointing out similarities and differences from USA to Moz. I walked them though my writing process as well as my picture taking process. I also brought in some fabric from Moz and showed how woman would wear it and how they would use it to carry their children and babies. I used volunteers for that and let the students carry around baby dolls. In conclusion I challenged them to dream big… and think of how they can help others.

The funniest thing was being asked if I could sign their shirts or their arms… I said no =) The coolest thing was that two girls came up to me afterwards and asked “If we give you something will you bring it to Mozambique?” I said, “Sure.” They took their headbands off of their heads and gave them to me. After school the same two girls came in and gave me a ponytail holder and pair of glasses with no lenses. I was so touched. It’s not about how much you give, but about giving of what you have. Kids are just so amazing!

September has been a great kick-off to my fundraising. As of today, I’m 39% to reaching my goal that will allow me to go to Mozambique this winter, but I’m only at 7% of my overall monthly support needed. Which means I’ve gotten a good amount of one-time donations (including book sales) and have just scratched the surface of monthly donations.

My goal is to reach 50% of my monthly support by the time I leave this winter and raise the other 50% after I return in March. Lots of goals I know, but I’m a detail person… most of your eyes would cross if I showed you the Excel Spreadsheet I’ve put together to track donations and sales!

If you would like to host a party at your home, church, school or anywhere you can think of please email me at amanda@thedream-project.org.

Prayer:

- Trip to Atlanta – October 19^th – 26^th.

- Helder (one of the boys) was hit by a car last week. His injuries were minor, but he had a few stitches on his head and scraped up his arms and hands.

- Fundraising =)

- My health… as I’ve been feeling a little under the weather this week.