Fundraising

Hi Friends! Exactly one year from today I'll be leaving on my adventure - I can't wait! I've decided to start the fundraising process today, one year from my departure. My program manager Libby thinks that the earlier I start, the better - so here goes!
Most of you have probably received my fundraising letter either by mail or e-mail. I am hoping to fundraise my entire program fee of $3, 776. This fee goes to Cross-Cultural Solutions and pays for my housing, food, in-country transportation, travel/health/evacuation insurance, and all cultural enrichment and language classes once I arrive. In addition to this fee I will have to pay for my flight and whatever spending money I want to take with me for weekend trips, safari's, and all that good stuff. I have been working like crazy at the good ol' Bonefish Grill and have managed to save enough money for my flight and I will continue to work hard and save as much as I can.
I know alot of you are thinking "Why do you have to pay to be a volunteer?" There are many organizations out there and only a few of them send volunteers over seas without charging. The reason I chose Cross-Cultural Solutions, an organization that charges a fee, is because with my fee comes security. By paying the $3,776 I am guarunteed a safe home-base with other volunteers, safe food and drinking water, safe transportation to and from my teaching placement, and 24 hour security. The companies that don't charge basically drop you in the middle of the jungle and leave you on your own to manage - most will agree I'm not quite ready for all that!
If you would like to learn more about my program and Cross-Cultural Solutions please visit the Cross-Cultural Solutions website at http://www.crossculturalsolutions.org/. I have included my e-mail and phone number in my fundraising letter, please feel free to contact me with any questions or if you just want to chat!
If you would like to donate please remember that your contributions are 100% tax deductible! You can make a donation online by visiting my volunteer page at http://my.crossculturalsolutions.org - just search for me under the sponsors section by my last name (Caudill) under "Find Your Volunteer". You can also donate through the Cross-Cultural Solutions website www.crossculturalsolutions.org/makepayment, you will need my e-mail address for this option - it's L8egrace@hotmail.com.
While I do need a little monetary support I am not only fundraising money. By including all of you in this process I hope to gather support, smiles, prayers, and well-wishes. Your support and encouragement mean more than I can say and I look forward to sharing my experience with all of you!
This blog will serve as a way for friends and family to keep up with me as I prepare for my trip and will also be my link to all of you once I arrive in Tanzania. I will make a post every step of the way from getting my visa and numerous vaccinations to posting my day-to-day activities in Tanzania as well as pictures and other good stuff!
Thank you so much for your support! I am so excited to be able to take this step and do my part!