Kenya Orphanage Fundraising

Hi there friends and family!

I am beyond happy to share that after much prayer and consideration I have decided to volunteer abroad at an Orphanage in Kenya for a month this summer (mid May 2020)! I have been given this opportunity to serve others through International Volunteers HQ, a non-profit organization (https://www.volunteerhq.org -- the most incredible/affordable volunteer opportunities throughout the world, check it out!!).

For the longest time my heart has had a strong urge to go beyond borders and help the helpless. I am now in the season of my life where I can no longer ignore this desire. I recognize and am so very thankful for the abundant blessings and boundless love the Lord has given me, but now I also recognize that it is my turn to use this opportunity and these blessings to bless others.

You may not know this about me, but I am very passionate about childcare and emotional health. The children I will be connecting with will have lacked compassion, love, empathy, and support from parental figures -- things that no child should ever go without. My prayer for this journey is that I may be able to add some, if not all, of those qualities to their life. This serving opportunity will be very challenging, but I know it will be worth it.

If you have made it this far, thank you for taking interest in me and these children! But now, I need your help. Any and all tax-deductible donations towards this volunteer trip will be so appreciated and needed! Even the smallest amount can make the greatest difference. Also, I will be spending multiple weeks in Kenya, so I have been researching a congregation to worship with while I am there. If you have any information or advice regarding this please please please reach out to me! Most importantly, I am asking for your prayers for this community, these children, and my safety throughout this journey. We serve a loving and just God, and I have firm faith that He is just as present in the deserted land as He is in the bountiful.

Thank you in advance for your help; you are so valued!

with great love,

Bethany Shadowens