Lex 'trex' to the Holy Land

HEY Y'ALL!

My name is Alexis Richardson and I am a freshman at the best university in the world - Ole Miss. If you know me, you know I was very involved with youth ministry back home in Houston, TX at St. Max. Here in Oxford, I continue to stay connected to the Catholic Church through Campus Catholic Ministries, book club, and bible studies with FOCUS missionaries, all while coordinating St. Max's Confirmation Retreat for 2018 and being a confirmation sponsor for 3 of the youth at St. Max! I love volunteering especially at St. Max and with the church. Since 9th grade, I have logged over 830+ community service hours, coordinated 4 retreats, and staffed many more.

Through youth ministry, I have been able to witness the love of Jesus Christ and the power of prayer. 

My relationship with Christ and his church really started when my parents got a divorce in the fourth grade. Ever since then, through many trials and tribulations, I have clung to him as my rock. In my 18 years, I have gone through a lot with both of my parents, relationships, and so much more - if you know me personally, you know exactly what I am talking about- and I am blessed to be where I am today. God has definitely been surrounding me with his legion of angels and has directed my steps along the way. 

Now that I've introduced myself, I would like to ask you if you've ever been called to do something? Maybe called to a profession, called to make a difference, or called to say something. Seriously, take a minute and think about it... If people would just follow what they're called to do, this world would be a heck of a better place. 

So here's where your help comes in - I feel called to take a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. This is not something I want to do, but something that I feel I have to do, something I'm called to do. This trip would mean the world to me. It is a 10-day journey that is from May 20, 2018 - May 29, 2018 and costs $3290. This tour takes us through Cana, Tiberias, Bethlehem, Mt. of Beatitudes, Nazareth, Jerusalem, Mt. of Olives, Dead Sea, and the Jordan River. I get goosebumps just thinking the opportunity for me to walk where Jesus walked, see what Jesus saw, and to truly witness history come alive.

What makes this particular trip different than any other trip, or going when I'm older is that one of my all-time favorite Deacons, Deacon Bob, and his amazing family will be going too. Deacon Bob, his wife Dana, and - his daughter/my youth minister - Jenn have done so much for me. Going with people who have taught me so much about Christ and contribute to who I am today would make this trip like no other. 

I, myself am putting aside a big chunk of my own money every month to help offset costs and will be doing a fundraiser when I get home over Christmas break; however, in order to even secure a spot for this trip I need to raise $500 for the deposit, and then the remaining balance.

Please, if you can even give just $1, I will be that much closer to my goal. This is the opportunity of a lifetime and I couldn't imagine not going. Any donation counts and will be greatly appreciated.

Love always,

Alexis (Lex) Richardson
Hotty Toddy 

Here are some cool photos of me working with St. Max Youth Ministry in high school.


Lectoring for my Confirmation Mass - April 2016
Lectoring for my Confirmation mass - April 2016
Giving a talk to 8th & 9th Graders about Love - May 2016
Leading Evolutionary Rock-Paper-Scissors - May 2016
Staff Totem Poll - May 2016
Confirmation Retreat - March 2017
Confirmation Retreat - March 2017
Playing "Lifeboat" with 8th & 9th Graders - May 2016
My Confirmation - April 2017, Confirmed under "St. Teresa of Avila"