Belize to France

Ok you faithful readers, I have some big news. As some of you may know, when I studied abroad my sophomore year of college, I spent a week serving on a mission trip in Lourdes, France. I immediately fell in love with everything: the place, the work, the people I was serving, all of it. Long before the week ended, I knew not only that I wanted to go back and serve again, but that I would. 

Well that day has finally come! Or at least it will on June 15 because that's when I fly out to Lourdes where I will spend 3 weeks serving two different pilgrimages with the North American Lourdes Volunteers. This has been a huge desire of mine for 3 years now and in less than a month, this entire plan has come together which is both miraculous and a little overwhelming. It's mostly overwhelming because of the cost: as you know, I'm not exactly making the big bucks right now which means I have to raise $4,000 as soon as possible. The final payment was due April 15...my goal is to raise the money by the end of the month (because the NALV is being incredibly understanding as well as helpful in all of this). So now I'm pulling out all the stops to seek generosity anywhere and everywhere.

This is where I need your help! My cost includes the airfare, all my meals, accommodations, mandatory insurance, and dues owed for serving which is why it is no small number. Fundraising has never been my strong suit because I feel bad asking for the money, but my love for the pilgrims and mission of Lourdes overcomes my pride, and so I am coming to all of you. If you (or anyone you know, family, co-workers, neighbors, etc.) would like to help me out in any way (and I mean any. Even $20 is like BIG BUCKS to me), please let me know! Send me an email or comment on this post or any other creative communicative means with your mailing address, so I can then send you a letter with all the information about the missions I'll be serving as well as about donating. (And hey, it's tax deductible!)

You can write a check or if you're one of those get it done quickly people, you can donate online through PayPal by clicking here. Just make sure to include a message saying your contribution is for my payment on the mission. If you do want to write a check, all you have to include is my name in the memo line.

But after you say a little prayer about it and if you decide you want to help, again, send me your mailing address and I will send you the letter with all the information. 

So let's recap:
1. I have the privilege of going to Lourdes for 3 weeks to serve the sick and underprivileged who seek the comfort and healing of God
2. You have the chance to serve them with me! Firstly through prayers, and then financially
3. You want to send me your mailing address so you can get one of my really cool letters :)
4. Donating will also ensure that I will pray for you every single day for 3 weeks in the Grotto where Mary appeared to St. Bernadette. Hello. That's awesome.
5. Also feel free to spread the word! If you know of someone who is looking for a charity or cause to donate to, this is a beautiful ministry.

In all seriousness though, there is nothing more I want than to serve in Lourdes. So I'm already abundantly thankful in advance for your spiritual and financial support. May God bless you and please pray for me!

St. Maximilian Kolbe, pray for us.

Totus Tuus, Maria.