I really like tea. I don’t know much about it — I just know hot, cold, unsweet or flavored — it all tastes pretty good to me.

I also noticed that a lot of other cultures and nations like tea, too. That’s why I hope to set up a fundraiser for a “tea station” at Global Neighbors — a Polk County initiative set to launch later this year.

The mission of Global Neighbors is to connect immigrant and refugees to the basic resources they need to start a new life here in Des Moines. You can learn more about Global Neighbors here: (https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/local/des-moines-polk-county/2025/01/21/polk-county-building-new-immigrant-refugee-welcome-center-des-moines-global-neighbors/76959860007/)

My hope is that by finding a cup of their favorite tea, immigrants and refugees will feel welcome and cared for as they go about the challenging task of starting their new lives in Iowa — often with a language barrier.

A few small details:

1.) Once donations are done, whether it’s $30 or $300, I’ll reach out to Global Neighbors and let them determine which kinds of tea are most appropriate.

2.) I will come back and update this post with the final results of the project, to keep myself accountable to anyone who donates.

3.) Please understand that if it should happen that the donations for a “tea station” exceed expectation, I will turn over all remaining funding directly to Global Neighbors for them to steward as they see fit.

I’m dropping in $30 to celebrate my 30 trips around the sun later this month, and I hope you’ll consider donating, too.

Thank you for your consideration. To Christ Jesus be the glory.

Luke 14: 12-14