My Own Big Give: Kris, Part 2

The decision, and my justification of such:
Anyone who read my last post will know that I'd dedicated to baking bread.  I believe in homemade food.  I think it's healthy and appreciated, so we were off to a good start.  I started to dream big, like we're asked to do.  What if I sold this bread for a reasonable price at our local farmers market and donated all proceeds to buying seeds through World Vision?  I believe in this organization, as well, and believe it's one of the better options for charitable donations.

However, I quickly ran into budget issues.  To enter the Farmers Market costs ten dollars, and half my budget.  Even with the flour I already own, this makes baking more then a few loafs of bread virtually impossible.  I also am having some major time issues.  As summer comes, and I'm sure most of you will agree, my spare time dwindles considerably.

So, when my sister started to make fun of me when I'd rant off about having to give big, I knew it was time to calm down the stress.  In the spirit of just because shouldn't be grudging, am I right?  The excitement is back, and I'm glad.

So, I've made a few loaves of bread.  As much as I originally played with the idea of asking people to donate if they felt so inclined, I've decided this is really not a very good idea.  I know people who don't have the time or ability themselves, and will appreciate a loaf of homemade bread.  I really just want them to be able to appreciate that.

It has got me thinking, though.  I still believe in World Vision, but I'm taking this opportunity to reach out to the people I know.  The single girls, the amazing old couples, people I know will appreciate a fresh loaf of bread (and, yes, they're turning out well).  I can't being you photos, because on top of this all my computer has crashed.  What I will share with you is the bread recipe I'm using, in case you feel like you have the time to learn to make it yourself. 

---

6 tbsp marg (or butter or lard)
2 tsp salt
4 tbsp sugar (I use brown)
3 cups milk (I use 1/2 water)
Add in multi grain (or raisins, or spices, or whatever)
8 cups of flour... But don't stir!
Create a dent in the flour and put in,
4 tbsp yeast (instant or slow)
sprinkle this is 1 tbsp sugar
Pour in 1/4 cup warm water.  Moisten yeast with tip of knife.  Let sit well yeast rises.
Once yeast has risen (about ten minutes) stir together and knead on floured surface for about ten minutes.  Create dough into ball, return to bowl, cover with  clean dishcloth and set to rise in warm area until doubled in size.  About 20 minutes.
Once risen punch dough down, and form into loaves.  Set them to rise, again until doubled in size.  Bake in pre-heated oven at 350 degrees until brown.  Approximately 20 minutes. Allow to cool, and rub with butter to keep soft.

TBG Coaching Sessions Part 3, How Far Can You Make $20 Stretch?

So you've read parts one and two.  You know how to choose your inspiration and you know how to work with your abilities.  Now there's that little issue of the budget.  In part three I'll help you out with that.

---

What can you buy with twenty dollars?  You could take someone out for dinner, maybe.  At least if they're interested in McDonalds.  Not something we recommend to up your global-awareness cred.  Here's how to think above and beyond in three simple steps.

1.)  Fundraising.  This is an option we don't want you to overlook.  It could be as simple as buying bulk candy and reselling it in the staff room.  But think a bit farther.  What about hand making some of your famous cookies and offering them for sale?  Here you're investing your skills in exchange for saving some of your budget and still expanding it.  You could see that twenty dollars double, triple, or beyond.  Just remember, for the challenge, to fund raise with ethics.  Find a way to take people's cold hard cash from them without making them bitter about it.  In short, offer them something in exchange.

2.)  Be sure to use what you have.  Yes, I mean your mad skills.  However, I'm also all about utilizing your physical resources.  Maybe you want to advertise those staff room cookies in a catchy way.  You could, of course, spend five bucks on glossy construction paper, glitter and rhinestones.  Or you could dig into the depths of your art supplies and find some excellent and useful leftover from your third grade art project.  Feel free to use what you have around the house.  Reduce Reuse and Recycle.  

3.)  Use that imagination.  Even if you don't grow your twenty dollars there are lots of ways you can focus it in your give.  Watch your neighbor's kids.  Take your little brother and his friends hiking.  Then turn that bigger.  Give the parents a movie night, or the mothers afternoon tea.  Both of these are tiny cheap little ideas with big payoffs I guarantee our judges will love.

So, maybe twenty dollars won't buy a lot.  But it can create a great deal.