But the NET experience began the second I begun
fundraising, which is why I got the blog up and running early. So here are the
top 10 things I learned about fundraising:
5. Persistence Pays: In this instance I mean
it literally. There have been people who have expressed interest in partnering
with me but it took a few reminders before they donated. It’s not that they don’t
care or anything like that, but life goes by fast. Someone has even thanked me
for reminders.
4. Time Flies: This ties in with the last
point, but I am talking about my personal perspective. My biggest mistake
fundraising was that I did nothing during the month of June. Why? Well, I got
busy, blinked, and June was over. If you ever start prepping for anything
important, don’t just wait until it’s time to go! Before you know it, it will
be time.
3. Who do
you know? I do not like living in a world where everything is based on who
you know, but seriously: who do you know? Who have you encountered? Do they
have an interest in your mission? Ask! The worst that will happen is they won’t
respond, and you’re no worse off than before. I wrote a post on this already,
but I’m honestly amazed and honored that some people joined my mission this
year.
2. It’s Not About the Money. Which sounds
really funny to say when I’m writing a blog about fundraising… but it’s not
about asking people to throw money at you and run with it. This year with NET I’m
going to do something amazing. It’s something that not everybody gets to do,
but through the fundraising more people get to be involved. This is why we call
it a “partnership.” NET gives updates, and I’m updating personally on my blog,
so hopefully everybody learns a little something about the NET experience. Even
more importantly, through the fundraising I’m able to ask people for prayers.
So many people, even some who don’t know me, are going to be praying for me and
the teens next year.
1. God is Generous. And
he works through generous people. I knew even before applying to NET that
fundraising was going to be a challenge. They actually ask about our fears on
different aspects of life on NET, and I went ahead and gave fundraising the
maximum score I possible. Now, I am only a few hundred dollars short of my
goal. So many people have donated generously to this cause, but I know God is
the root of all of it.
Thank you to everybody who has joined me in my mission thus
far! If you have not joined financially, I have a link at the bottom. If you
have or have not, set a time to pray for me! Request a Mass for me!
My next update will come from Ireland, so God willing I’ll
have safe and easy travels!
