As I am writing this post I am supposed to be working on a grant. Probably shouldn’t have told you that…admitting my procrastination. However I do think it is important to let you guys know that I need some prayer. For serious. I am not a grant writer, or at least I haven’t been before. Now I am I guess. And it is an exciting challenge, but it is also a challenging challenge. Ha, go figure. And it is super important because this grant will allow us to go on the next three trips we have on queue, which will in turn allow us to use our other revenue for operating expenses (i.e. salaries so that we can actually work on our projects full time…that would be so nice). So please be praying for me and for the people who will be reviewing this grant…that God would give me the right words to say and that by His grace the Review Board will find it worthy of $10,000. Thank you so much! Love you guys!

–Jessi

Ok now that I read over the title I gave this post I realize that it sounds like I am going to be discussing the parts of the world that are under development, or the so-called “third-world countries.” But that is not so. Sorry for the false advertising. I really wanted to tell you more about the world of Bedouins International and how our development has been coming along.

So I’m Jessi and I have been deemed “Director of Development” for Bedouins. And I love it. Can I just take moment to thank God for giving me a job I actually like? I mean really. Two thumbs up.

Not to say that this job is easy…it is by far the most challenging job I have ever had (besides waitressing). From fundraising to scheduling meetings to event planning, I stay busy. But God has blessed this organization with amazing volunteers and incredibly caring and involved Directors and Board members, so I am never alone in anything that I do. On top of that, it keeps me motivated to know that so many people care about Bedouins and are willing to donate their time and efforts to see us succeed.

I also love the return I see from my work and the work of others. I love seeing our rank on Squidoo go up or when people donate online to our Cause on Facebook. I love getting e-mails from people who are excited about what we’re doing or reading comments on our blog (which means people are actually reading it! p.s. you should leave a comment…). It really gives me joy to see other people who agree that what we do has worth and is going to make a difference, because I really do want to make a difference. So for those of you who read this, thank you.

I hope you are blessed as you read this. And anyone out there with any fundraising/development advice, please feel free to let me know…I certainly won’t turn down any creative ideas!

Love you all!

-Jessi