January, 2018
Dear Family and Friends,
For the past several months I have been considering what my “next step” might be - do I return to teaching full time? Do I pursue a different career path? Do I continue my current volunteer opportunities? As I have prayed and tried to understand where I may be used in service to God and the world, one particular opportunity caught my attention and wouldn’t let go. Last February, several women from church went on a trip to Peru to help a church set up a Vacation Bible School program in their rural community. They were sponsored by an organization called INGAGE Unlimited. As I learned more about INGAGE, I knew my next step was becoming clear...
INGAGE is a non-profit organization whose mission is to offer cross-cultural team experiences to strengthen and build relationships with community leaders and educators while cultivating global awareness and fostering social responsibility. For me, the idea of working with fellow educators with these goals in mind could not be passed up! When the opportunity arose to become part of one these teams, I talked it over with Paul and then jumped at the chance! I am so excited to be traveling with INGAGE and a team of teachers to the Dominican Republic this summer!
We will be preparing and presenting professional development for teachers who work with students from schools located in areas of extreme need. Our goal is to prepare appropriate workshops to address the needs identified by the teachers in the Dominican Republic. As we spend time with educators and community leaders, we will gain an understanding of the challenges they face and learn from their experiences. I look forward to this incredible service learning opportunity.
Part of our preparation for the trip involves learning about the history and culture of the Dominican Republic. We will have the privilege of visiting some prominent historical sights while we are there and I look forward to seeing how this experience will impact my teaching in the future.
Our team has begun fundraising and I am wondering if you would like to be a part of this effort and help our team raise these funds? Each team member has been asked to raise $2700 to cover the expenses for this serving opportunity. This money covers airfare, lodging and a limited number of supplies for the teachers and their students. Because this is a volunteer service trip facilitated by the non-profit organization INGAGE Unlimited, all donations are tax deductible and can be made online at this website. Just select the Dominican Republic Team Two 2018. Look for my name to donate directly to my trip or you may donate to the trip in general. I am hoping to raise funds above and beyond the $2700 so that INGAGE can continue to to serve this community with future trips and supplies. I will send out an email following the trip. I’m sure I’ll be eager to share my experience!
Please email me at pbj.louis@comcast.net if you have any questions! Thank you so much for considering!
Bethany Louis