Donating Christmas
The Austin family is opting out of Christmas this year. Instead Cynthia and Jonathan and their four kids, Jasher, 15, Jadon, 13, Zion, 11, and Gracyn, 7, are fundraising for their May 22 trip to help build a school in Africa.
"There is so much need in the world and we are so blessed," said Cynthia. "We sponsored a child from Mexico about 12 years ago and we still do that, but my kids never saw a connection. So the idea to go to Africa came up during a family meeting. A young woman we knew in Virginia created this great foundation to build new schools in Africa. She constructed the first floor last year and this coming year we are building the second floor.
"In order to raise money to go and bring school supplies, we as a family have facilitated a zero budget," she continued. "No eating out, no movies, no vacation this year, nothing unless it's absolutely necessary. I am so relieved that the kids have been so willing. They monitor each other--when one wants a candy bar, all they say is 'Africa!'
Cynthia and Jonathan are working extra hours at Amazon wrapping presents as their fundraiser