Support Cataleya's Dream Trip to China

Cataleya’s Journey: A Story of Faith, Miracles, and a Dream to Go to China

From the moment Cataleya came into this world, she was a fighter. Born prematurely at just 5 pounds 7 ounces, tiny and fragile, she spent over a month in the NICU, battling every challenge with determination. I remember sitting in a room full of doctors—ten of them—who told me she might never walk, talk, or eat on her own. They said she had brain damage and predicted a life of limitations. I held her in my arms as she had seizures, tears streaming down my face, praying to God to protect her and guide her. I refused to accept their words as her future. My God has the last say.

Walking and talking came later than expected. She didn’t walk until she was 1 year and 7 months old. But every step she took, every word she spoke, was a miracle. I put her in physical therapy classes to strengthen her little body and help her learn to walk. Since the doctors said she wouldn’t walk, I put her in gymnastics to build strength and confidence. Since they said she wouldn’t eat alone, I taught her to cook. Since they said she would face mental challenges, I enrolled her in a Mandarin school, where she was immersed in learning two languages at once. I said, “Bet,” and I trusted God. And today, she thrives beyond what anyone imagined.

Cataleya is bright, eager to learn, and full of curiosity. She made honor roll last year and continues to amaze me with her dedication to learning. She will soon start taking college-level courses, and my dream is for her to complete college by the age of 18.

Cataleya’s life has not been without challenges. Her father has been incarcerated for most of her life and will not be released until 2027, when she will be 15. Growing up without a father has been hard—she has faced feelings of loss, questions about belonging, and the weight of missing a parent’s guidance. I make sure she participates in programs with other children whose fathers are incarcerated so she knows she is not alone and that she is deeply loved. I strive every day to fill her life with love, opportunities, and hope, so she never feels defined by what she has missed.

This trip to China is more than just travel—it is a chance for Cataleya to see the world beyond what she has known, to grow in ways that will shape her for a lifetime.

On this journey, she will:

• Learn about other cultures and families, gaining empathy and understanding for people whose lives are different from her own

• Teach Chinese children English and share our culture, showing them life outside their own country

• Explore historic landmarks, including the Great Wall of China, creating memories that will stay with her forever

and so much more.

I want Cataleya to know that the world is big, beautiful, and full of possibilities. I am working hard and saving for this trip, but any help from family, friends, or generous donors would make a huge difference. Even $5 or $10 can help cover travel costs, clothes, and essentials for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Cataleya’s story is one of faith, courage, and miracles. God has brought her this far, and with your support, He can help her take this next step to explore, learn, and grow in ways she will remember forever. Please consider donating and sharing her story—together, we can help a little girl who was told she couldn’t, experience a world she deserves to see.