End of Year Challenge

I am a writer and editor, and although I get some Social Security income, that covers my housing and not much else. All my other bills I cover by my freelance work. In previous years, even though my income has not been great, it has been sufficient to cover my usual expenses.

This has been a challenging year for me: the first half of the year did not provide many freelance jobs for me, and the second half, although I got a small handful of jobs, came with a number of medical challenges and other expenses, like a major car repair (I needed to have the transmission worked on).

For the car repair, I had to take out a loan to cover a chunk of the cost -- most of the initial payment for one editing job went to one third the cost of the repair. My medical challenges, although most of my costs were covered, left one portion of the bill for an ambulance ride uncovered.

In addition, the medical challenges (sinus surgery, colonoscopy, and gall bladder surgery) each ate up days of time, putting me behind in my client work.

The target amount I set is actually just my most immediate expenses. And these are just to get me through the month of December. Ideally, twice that would get me into the first weeks of the new year. I confess that I find it hard to be asking for help during this season -- which is one where I myself want to be giving to others. But If others can assist me at this time, it will be deeply, deeply appreciated. These funds are just to meet the unusual expenses accrued this year, at a time when new work income is highly unlikely (writers rarely hire a freelance editor in the holiday season and year end).

Even if you choose not to help me financially, I would appreciate your prayers and good thoughts. I do not consider them useless or in vain. Bless you and I hope your holidays and New Year are filled with light, love, and hope!