Day 3-Suprises and progress!!!

The walk continues....Click here to learn what we are doing!  And, don't forget to scroll down if you don't have time to read my ramblings so that you can see where we are now...do you think we finally made it out of California???

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What a great day we had today!!!  And, look at our fundraising thermometer!  We are making some progress and I am so grateful! 

There were two more donations that came in late yesterday (Both from friends I knew as a teenager....thank you! :-) and then today a complete surprise from a great friend and two young women at our church.  You will love this story!

I had noticed that a good friend of mine had posted on Facebook that she and her daughter and niece would be doing a bake sale for a good cause.  I actually felt a pang of empathy for them because I now know for the first time in my life how truly difficult it is to fundraise. 

I really wanted to help them out....but I knew that we are so strapped right now and I thought that I just couldn't do it. 

So, here is where I admit that I have never been a generous person.  (Ah, the guilt!)  I have always tried to be a kind person and I do tithe.  But, when it comes to supporting charities and giving to fundraisers, I have always just rationalized that I didn't know where the money would go and that was that.

I am truly embarrassed about this now and I know that Heavenly Father is teaching me. So, I thought some more and figured that I could take something out of what I would normally buy at the grocery store and I would go ahead and offer to help. 

Well, I didn't hear much back and was a little confused but didn't think too much of it.  But, I did offer to buy leftovers as I had seen someone else do.  (Remember I said I am learning....lol!)

So, when they walked towards me at church, I was thinking that they were bringing me a leftover treat from the bake sale.

But, what they were bringing was......

all of the donations!

The fundraiser was for our family and it was a surprise!  I was so overwhelmed and so thankful and *very* surprised (and fighting the tears)!   Two busy young women and a mom with more than plenty on her own plate had sacrificed their time and energy and got up at the crack of dawn in order to help our family.  And, boy did they ever!

I didn't even know until I got home what an amazing job they did.  I was so impressed! 

And so, I am finding that I am continuing to learn from those older....and those quite younger than myself.  Our deepest appreciation goes to them and their willingness to step up and be the hands and feet of God.  Thanks also,  to all of those who have so graciously donated thus far. 

I promise that I am changing and that I have made multiple promises in prayer that I will reciprocate the generosity that has been shown to our family. 

What a life changing opportunity this has been!

So, here is where we are....

Fredericksburg, California.....we are right on the border of California and Nevada!  Okay, we need more of you out here because at this rate, even if we walk every day, it would take us over nine months!  Please consider joining us! 

Here is a quick recap of how to join us:

1. Plan to walk more frequently or organize a longer hike...your choice. Or you could do both as our family plans to do!
2.Get sponsored-Please don't let this step be stressful....think of someone or several people that you know would love to hear that you are getting out with your family for a break or someone who loves a good cause. If you can put the sign up sheet somewhere where many folks can see it and it is simple for you to have them sign up, or you love networking and talking to all sorts of people about it then, that would be fantastic. If that makes it seem overwhelming, just try to get one sponsor that would enjoy seeing you take some time with your family or friends. We all have those people!
3. Lastly, get out there and enjoy the Fall!
I would truly appreciate pictures that you would allow on my blog as well if you are willing. We are planning to finish at the end of the month, but we will see where we are at.
Send me your miles as you go so you can help us move forward!

***I will be updating the blog daily with the progress we are all making and where we are in the virtual world in terms of our progress.  Join us, it will make it that much more fun!