Hello, my wonderful family and friends,

I hope you are all doing well! I am fundraising because I have found a fantastic opportunity here at Texas A&M that I feel the Lord calling me to pursue, but I have come to realize that everything in college is expensive. Back in August, at a club and organization fair, I stumbled across a small stand for an organization called VIDA. After speaking with a representative, I learned that VIDA is an organization built around a trip taken in the summer to impoverished communities where we provide medical care. Essentially, for two weeks, I, along with about 30 other people, will go to 3 different areas in Costa Rica where the people have little to no access to medical care. For a few days at a time, we will set up a veterinary clinic, dental clinic, and medical clinic in any building they provide for us (usually a school or gym). We will work all day to provide medical attention to anyone who comes to us. I was told by peers, who have taken this trip before, that many of these people have never seen a vet, dentist, or doctor in their entire lives. I will work in the medical clinic, checking patients in, assessing their symptoms, shadowing a doctor, and helping with minor procedures. This unique opportunity from which I will walk away with over 40 patient contact hours! More than that, it excites me to be able to indeed be the hands and feet of Jesus by reaching people in communities that are small and easily overlooked. I won't lie, it makes me slightly uncomfortable to ask people for money, but the Lord reminded me that this isn't just for me. I am reaching out to you all as people I love and trust because this is an opportunity that could change my life and the lives of others. Any amount you are willing and able to donate to the gofundme page linked below will be greatly appreciated by this college student! I love you all and hope to see many of you soon!

- Isabel Chappell