Preparations

I didn't want my only post thus far to be regarding finances....I just have a whole checklist of items to do and I needed to get that one started.

So I am looking at a little over two months before leaving, and I have quite a few things to get done....physician's appointment, immunizations, buying all those small essentials like sunscreen and a mosquito net.  And then there is this overwhelming task of learning Spanish, or at least getting started on the basics.  Seeing how I am supposed to be translating for groups down there, and helping some of the kids with speech skills, I am trying to get a bit of a head-start so that they don't end up having Canadian accents!

And of course I am trying to pack as much time in with friends and family before I go, because this is the one thing I know I am going to miss!

So there is a little bit of an update.  It still feels a bit like a dream...like I'm not actually going, but I have a feeling that's going to end pretty quick.

Please pray for peace in the next little while, and continued trust and submission with all the preparation, both physically and mentally.  

Getting Set Up Financially

For those of you who are interested in financially assisting me while I am in Nicaragua, there are a few ways you can do this.  There are two different accounts, one is to cover my overhead expense of $4600.00, donating to this account is tax deductible.  The second place is to a personal account.  With MCC I receive $60.00 a month for costs that may come up during my stay, in which case you can add to this monthly allowance.  I have included the information regarding both accounts.  Thank you in advance if you do decide to financially support me, however do not feel obligated at all.  Your prayer and support is more than enough!!

My name is Amanda Steen and my MCC ID# is 628311

Canadian Financial Memo

MCC asks SALTers to contribute a minimum of $4600 CDN towards the program. Given the high costs of offering a program like SALT, MCC welcomes contributions beyond the expected minimum. All contributions are tax deductible and non-refundable. Most program participants raise the money through contributions from church friends and family. 

Donations made to MCC:

Online Donations

MCC prefers to receive donations online towards your contribution amount. Contributions may be made in either US or Canada $$ and will be credited to your support as long as the donor uses the designation "Other" and adds the following wording together with your name and MCC#: "SALT support for [First Last name] (MCC ID#)" in the box immediately below the designation.

Go to     http://www.mcc.org/donate/donate.html     to read information about receipts and security, then click on Donate Online and follow the directions.

Donations by Cheque

MCC is also able to receive donations by cheque:

Contributors should make cheques out to MCC, with > SALT -- (SALTer=s name)= 

clearly stated on the memo line and send them to MCC in Akron, Pa. with an accompanying donation form.

 Donors should mail their gifts directly to MCC, 134 Plaza Drive, Winnipeg, MB R3T by July 13, 2008.

All Canadian cheques should be sent to Winnipeg to ensure up-to-date records and timely receipting. Tax receipts will be issued as appropriate.  

Personal Money during your MCC service:

MCC Financial Services maintains a personal drawing account (PDA) for most SALTers (the exception is in those locations where MCC does not have a country office). If your monthly allowance comes from MCC, it will be credited directly to this account. You can then obtain personal funds through the MCC field office in the local currency. Those who receive their funds from other than MCC offices will simply be given the cash each month. 

Your friends and family can give cash gifts to you personally. These gifts are not tax deductible.

PDA Gifts Online 

Gifts may be made in either US or Canada $$ and will be credited to your support as long as the donor uses the designation "Other" and adds the following wording together with your name: "Gift to the PDA of [First Last name]" in the box immediately below the designation.

Go to     http://www.mcc.org/donate/donate.html     to read information about receipts and security, then click on Donate Online and follow the directions.

PDA Gifts by Cheque 

Friends and family can also give gifts by sending a cheque to MCC and asking that it be deposited to your PDA. 

Please write:

>Name of SALTer Β PDA= on the memo line of the cheque to ensure it is deposited into the SALTer’s personal account.  (If they are not marked ΑPDA≅ they cannot be identified as a personal support and will be regarded as a general SALT donation to MCC.) 

Separate Cheques for PDA Gifts & SALT Support Donations: For administrative purposes, gifts marked for a SALTer’s PDA, must be issued with a separate cheque. Cheques received by MCC which include both a donation in support of a SALTer and a PDA gift will be returned to the donor with a request for two separate cheques.

F

Donor Form Attachment Canada--ebc – 2/7/06 Updated 2/7/08