Surprise European Tour & Dream Vacation for Maren’s 50th!

Shh… it’s a surprise!

Our beloved Maren Metke is turning the big 5-0 at the end of this month, and we want to give her something unforgettable — the trip and creative adventure of a lifetime.

Maren has spent decades giving her heart, time, and talents to others. She’s a mother, educator, musician, community builder, and transformational coach whose work has touched countless lives. Through Living Compass Classroom, she’s guided individuals, families, and organizations in developing empathy, emotional intelligence, and authentic communication. As co-founder of NVC Family Camp, she’s supported generations of families in learning compassionate communication and connection.

In every season of her life, Maren has been a steady source of inspiration and love — from her music and workshops to her deep listening and care. Now, it’s time for our community to give back and help her realize a long-held dream.

The Dream

To send Maren, Justin, and their daughter Joonie on a one-month European tour and family vacation — visiting the lands of her heritage, performing as Honey of the Heart, and sharing their new album Coming Home with international audiences.

Maren has never been to Europe before! This trip will be part family pilgrimage, part creative tour — a chance for Maren and Justin to rest, connect, and expand their musical and cultural horizons while celebrating fifty years of a life lived in service, artistry, and heart.

Why It Matters

For years, Maren has helped others find their voice, repair relationships, and reconnect to purpose. She has taught empathy to parents, emotional awareness to children, and authentic leadership to educators. Her work has rippled through schools, camps, and communities across the country.

She’s also one half of Honey of the Heart, whose performances uplift audiences with messages of connection, joy, and belonging. Their latest project — Coming Home — is ready to be pressed into a beautiful vinyl record (or, as Maren would say, a “bunny record” ).

This fundraiser helps make both dreams real:

The European family tour — Scotland, Ireland, Germany, and France, 4 weeks on the road, blending music, art, and family adventure.

The vinyl pressing of Coming Home — capturing the soul of Honey of the Heart’s music in timeless form.

Big Reach Fundraising Goal: $15,000

(We are trying to get the flights covered first with our current GoFundMe Goal!)

Budget Breakdown:

✈️ Flights for 2 adults + 1 child – $4,500

Lodging (1 month, moderate rate €120/night) – $3,600

Ground travel (rail + rental) – $1,800

️ Meals & daily costs – $2,000

Tour & promotion expenses – $1,000

Vinyl pressing (500 records) – $2,100

Total = $15,000

Every dollar goes toward helping Maren and her family live this dream fully — with the security and support they’ve so freely given to others for years.

How You Can Help

Donate whatever you can. $5, $50, $500! Let's bring this home for Maren's 50th and give her the gift of a lifetime!

Share this link privately with people who know and love Maren. (Please don’t tag her — it’s a surprise!)

We will be revealing the surprise on December 8th and are hoping to have the goal met by then! Her real birthday is November 28th!

✨ Let’s Give Back

Maren has poured her heart into helping others find peace, joy, and connection.

Now we have a chance to fill her cup — to give her rest, inspiration, and the trip she’s always dreamed of.

Let’s send her home to the heart — to Europe, to adventure, and to the music she was born to share.

With deep love and gratitude,

Team Maren ❤️