Support Nicole's Mission Trip to Belize

This is a first for me, but in my old age, I am learning some things, like when I need to ask for help…so, here goes… for years, my heart has always longed to go on a mission trip, somewhere outside the US. I was fortunate to go a few places in my marriage that were third world locations and saw so much poverty and need but that was never the purpose for going. In this new season of my life, with my kids older and more independent, I have felt that pull again. This summer, I have signed up to go to Belize with my church, Passion Community, for a week in July. What drew me to this was that we aren’t one of many groups who just come through for a week, in between others, but we have invested in this community for a couple of decades, helping them build a physical church building, a youth center and training them to lead in between the times we are not there. They are a part of our community here and we are a part of theirs and have literally changed parts of the city by the work we have done in partnership with them. They are now starting a preschool and I believe we will be helping build a playground for this, along with a Mega camp for the kids the week we are there, and any other needs they have while there. I am a bit scared but haven’t been this excited since waiting to birth my own two kids! A very dear friend was generous enough to take care of my plane ticket with some of his air miles, so that is taken care of. But, I still need to raise $1500 for the remainder of the trip and $500-800 more for expenses while there…we can’t ship things over early (some corrupt folks don’t make that easy it seems down there) but as an artist and art teacher, I plan to pack my suitcase with as many supplies that I can to use with the folks down there and leave it when we come home, so, anything over the $1500 will be put to good use for sure. Also, as an artist, I am excited to meet any local artists while there and see the variety of styles compared to what I am used to…and looking forward to lots of inspiration for my own creating! Which leads me to my next promise…anyone who would like to help, with any amount, will receive a small token of thanks from me after I return…original art sent your way! I am overwhelmed at how my heart will burst while there and have a pretty good sense this won’t be my last visit! If this is out of your budget or means right now, I would love your prayers over the next few months as our team prepares for the trip. I will certainly be sending updates….thanks so much in advance. Nicole