Six months ago, when we dreamed of crossing the country on a sustainable journey to find resilient communities, I think we were under the impression the trip itself would be the most difficult part. That may still be true, but the preparation for this trip has proved to be more stressful, exhausting, and difficult than we ever anticipated. However, it has also been incredibly rewarding, and we have learned so much in just a few short months.
For example, prior to this experience, we had no knowledge about how to run a successful crowdsource fundraiser. Our Indiegogo experience challenged us to use our organization and communication skills creatively in ways that we were not accustomed to. While it was very stressful, it was also extremely gratifying to experience the support our community offered us, financial and otherwise. It lifted our weary spirits every time we received a donation or a kind, encouraging message from a friend. Thank you so much to everyone who has supported us thus far. (You can still donate on our home page!)
Our next hurtle was finding a vehicle, and quite the obstacle it proved to be. Our mission from the outset was to power this journey with biodiesel fuel. Alas, we did not raise the $8,000 that we hoped, but were still determined to make it work with $4,000. Unfortunately, a reliable, liveable diesel vehicle that could be fueled on biodiesel is simply not available for this price. For days, we struggled with the ethics of powering our vehicle on gasoline when we had promised biodisel, but ultimately decided our donors would be happy that we had a vehicle that was reliable and comfortable. Plus, we are going to carbon offset our trip! Consequently, it is quite possible that our trip will have even less of an impact than we originally planned. More details on our carbon offset decision to come.
After hours and days and weeks of scouring craigslist, classifieds, and rental sites, we think we have found the perfect vehicle for us. BUT it is not 100% reserved yet and we are still working out complications with insurance, so we are going to keep it a secret for just a while longer... Check back soon!
Ultimately, it has been an incredible experience just to plan for this trip. Our community has proved to be incredibly supportive, and it is so invigorating that people are excited about our mission! We leave in just under two weeks, and are so incredibly excited.
For example, prior to this experience, we had no knowledge about how to run a successful crowdsource fundraiser. Our Indiegogo experience challenged us to use our organization and communication skills creatively in ways that we were not accustomed to. While it was very stressful, it was also extremely gratifying to experience the support our community offered us, financial and otherwise. It lifted our weary spirits every time we received a donation or a kind, encouraging message from a friend. Thank you so much to everyone who has supported us thus far. (You can still donate on our home page!)
Our next hurtle was finding a vehicle, and quite the obstacle it proved to be. Our mission from the outset was to power this journey with biodiesel fuel. Alas, we did not raise the $8,000 that we hoped, but were still determined to make it work with $4,000. Unfortunately, a reliable, liveable diesel vehicle that could be fueled on biodiesel is simply not available for this price. For days, we struggled with the ethics of powering our vehicle on gasoline when we had promised biodisel, but ultimately decided our donors would be happy that we had a vehicle that was reliable and comfortable. Plus, we are going to carbon offset our trip! Consequently, it is quite possible that our trip will have even less of an impact than we originally planned. More details on our carbon offset decision to come.
After hours and days and weeks of scouring craigslist, classifieds, and rental sites, we think we have found the perfect vehicle for us. BUT it is not 100% reserved yet and we are still working out complications with insurance, so we are going to keep it a secret for just a while longer... Check back soon!
Ultimately, it has been an incredible experience just to plan for this trip. Our community has proved to be incredibly supportive, and it is so invigorating that people are excited about our mission! We leave in just under two weeks, and are so incredibly excited.
Look how excited we are! In the vehicle we are considering... more to come!