Guatemala - Before the "Big Move" - Finances

As with any move, there are a lot of expenses that come into play.

Besides the monthly support that I need to raise, there are some other "pre-move" expenses that have to be covered and planned for. There is the training, the shipping of my items, and various legal fees. I also will take some intensive Spanish training when I first arrive to Guatemala, so I have to have those fees covered. I believe that about $1500 will cover all of that.

In addition to that, I have to find a car...

I need a car while in Guatemala for obvious reasons, I have to go places... It is not safe for me to ride on the buses there, and I am not allowed to travel alone, unless I am in a car.

I need to get a car that is in good condition and that can withstand really bumpy, often unpaved roads. The driving there is pretty crazy, and so I would like to get a SUV, so that I feel more protected, and so that I can sit higher up and see what is ahead (to change lanes there, you just pass in whatever lane you want going whatever direction and I will be living in the mountains, so it's curvy, therefore I like to know what's ahead). I would also like to get a Toyota, Nissan, or Mazda, because those are common cars there, and so I can get them repaired or worked on more easily, without having to ship parts from the states.n I think my ideal car would be something like a Toyota 4Runner.

I can either buy a car in Guatemala or in the states. There are pros and cons to both. Buying a car in Guatemala will cost more than it does here, plus, there is no way to research if the car has had any issues in the past, but there is less paperwork to be done, and I don't have to pay the high tax fee to bring it in from the states. Getting a car in the states means that there is more paperwork, and the car has to be paid off before it can be taken out of the country. Plus, I have to pay the taxes and shipping to get it into Guatemala. But, the cars from here usually cost less and they can be checked out more thoroughly. So, I am weighing the options. I believe that I will look for a car in the states, and see what I find... I know that God will lead me to the right one for the right price and it will all fall into place, and that He will provide for all the needs.

I really am learning to trust A LOT. I know I have said it over and over, but His faithfulness is so great and I love the fact that we can be led by His peace! When we know we are in His will, then we can trust confidently that He is faithful who promised and that He has it all worked out!

Guatemala - Monthly Finances

Fundraising... oh, the exciting word! I must admit that the thought of fundraising can loom quite strongly over the excitement of moving to Guatemala. I am the type of person who likes to work hard for my employer, prove that I am worth the investment and therefore EARN the money that I make. Hmmmm... needless to say, the fundraising process is one in which God is stretching me, teaching me to trust, and reminding me that some things just can't be earned.

As a missionary, I am responsible to raise all of my support. This support covers all of my living expenses (housing, food, transportation, etc), legal fees (and there are quite a few for moving and residency issues), travel, organization fees (15%), required insurance, as well as covering costs for outreaches and other ministry involvement.

My goal is to raise $2000/month in committed support. This would be more than enough to cover my expenses, plus there would be some leftover to use for additional ministry items, emergency expenses, etc.

Before I can move to Guatemala, I must have at least $1200 in committed monthly support. This is a requirement from Living Water Teaching to assure that when missionaries move there, they have some backing and that they will at least be able to cover their basic personal living expenses.

Please prayerfully consider becoming one of my sponsers. I believe that myself and Living Water Teaching are good ground to sow into. The missionaries of Living Water Teaching are hard workers, and are determined to fulfill the call of God on their lives, and I am thankful and honored to be joining them.

If you would like to support me, please contact me at karadixonmissions@gmail.com. I can give you more information on how the support process works and the different ways in which you can help!

You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully." And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, He will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. II Corinthians 9:7-11 (NLT)

All of my support is ran through Living Water Teaching. Checks can be made payable to Living Water Teaching, and in the memo section please write my missionary number, which is 11500. (Donations are tax-deductible, LWT is a 501(c)3 organization).