H A I T I : something to be thankful for

Hello family, friends, acquaintances, and strangers.

I am just now entering my junior year at Linfield college in McMinnville, Oregon and have gently stumbled into this need to do more. To act more. To step outside of myself more and callous my soft hands. To truly see others. I'm an English Literature and Secondary Education major, Resident Advisor, student leader in the Office of Community Engagement and Service, work study student for the English Department, and you know, I've come to the realization that it's not enough. I feel compelled to push the boundaries of my potential to give back to this world what it has so gracefully given me. I am lucky enough--blessed enough--to have friends that have recently gone on service trips to Haiti and have inspired me to do the same. So I'm taking the plunge. I've committed to go. I'm going. I'm doing. I'm serving.  And oh, my friends, how excited I am to be doing so!

The harsh and puncturing reality is, though: I cannot get there without your help. 

The mission trip is through Solid Rock Chruch's "Hear the Cry" program and will take place over my Thanksgiving break (November 16-25). Our group will be serving in the city of Jacmel, working in and feeding a local orphanage and serving the local community. My goal is to raise $2,000 to pay for my trip (costing $1650) and donate the remainding funds to the orphanage we will be working at. 

I cannot effectively put into words how excited I am for all of this, but if you could see my face, I'm sure that would say a lot. I hope this reaches all of you with compelling sentiments, rather than convicted ones. My hope is that you will donate   within your means and if a donation is not an option for you, encouraging words are always ALWAYS welcome. 

Thank you all.Steadily and momentously grateful,

Kaleigh