About a year and a half ago, I was invited to Lutheran Church of Hope in Ankeny. At the time, I had not been very involved in church for much of my adult life, and I honestly didn’t know how much that invitation would change my life.

Since then, I’ve been rebuilding my relationship with God and growing in my understanding of what it actually means to live out the Christian faith. I’ve learned that faith isn’t simply something we believe—it’s something we’re called to put into action through how we love, serve, and care for others.

This October, I have the opportunity to do exactly that.From October 2–5, I’ll be traveling to Tijuana, Mexico, with my church through YWAM’s Homes for Hope program. Our team will build a home for a family in need, helping provide them with a safe and stable place to live and call their own.

This will be my first mission trip, and I’m incredibly excited to be part of it. It’s also especially meaningful because this will be the last home our church needs to build through this particular partnership. When I heard about the opportunity, I felt genuinely moved to say yes.

We’re not just going to build a house. We’re going to meet a family, hear their story, work alongside others, and hopefully leave them with a place that feels like home.

I’m hoping to raise $1,500 to support my participation in the trip and, if possible, allow me to contribute something extra directly to the family we’ll be serving.

Once we’re on site, we’ll learn more about the family’s specific needs and what opportunities there are to purchase things that aren’t included with the home itself—possibly a bed, table, chairs, kitchen items, or other household necessities.That’s something I’m particularly excited about.

I would love to have the flexibility to look at this family and ask, “What do you need?” and then be able to help provide it.

I don’t know yet what that will look like, but I know I want to do more than simply help build walls. I want to help make those walls into a home.

If you’d like to support me, any contribution toward my $1,500 goal would mean so much to me. If you’re not in a position to donate, sharing this fundraiser or simply praying for our team and the family we’ll be serving is equally meaningful.

This trip feels like a very tangible next step in a journey that began when I simply said yes to an invitation to church. I’m grateful for where that yes has led me so far. I’m excited and humbled to see where this next yes takes me.

Thank you for supporting me, praying for me, and being part of this journey. ❤️