Calista's Mission Trip to Tasmania, Australia

Hello, my dear friends, family, and potential sponsors,

I hope this message finds you well. For those who may not know me yet, my name is Calista Felix, and I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity to share my story with you and ask for your help in making an impact in the world.

I was blessed to grow up in a loving household where my parents gave me and my sisters a strong foundation in God’s love. However, it wasn’t until quarantine during my junior year in high school that I grew my own wings of faith. I saw how the pandemic affected my family and saw and heard first-hand what trusting in God looked like. It was a bit puzzling, trying to grasp how they could put so much faith in someone you can’t see and in a book that was written thousands of years ago. But in the end, I saw a series of undeniable miracles that made me believe that God was close to us and cared for us as a family.

Then it was my turn. Senior year of high school was hard. Standardized testing, tutoring, college applications, volunteering, cramming extra curricular activities into every waking moment just wore me down. Then on the non-academic front, I found myself healing from past hurt and broken friendships. In all the turmoil, I too, turned to God, asking Him to make clear my path and lighten my load. I decided that whatever He said or did in response to my prayer, I was going to do that.

And so when I got accepted into two wonderful universities and things still didn’t sit right with me, I was quick to tell my parents that I wasn’t ready to go off to college. I didn’t have a plan other than taking a gap year. It was then that God opened an incredible door for me to embark on a life-changing mission trip with an organization called Y.W.A.M, formally known as “Youth with a Mission.” And I am filled with excitement to share this transformative adventure with you all.

This mission trip will take place over six months starting in September in Tasmania, Australia. (Yes, as in the “tasmanian devil” and road runner meep meep!) Within this extended period, I will immerse myself completely in a journey of personal growth and spiritual transformation, composed of two distinct phases. The first phase, known as the lecture phase, will extend for approximately three months. During this time, I will have the extraordinary privilege of delving deep into enriching teachings, gaining invaluable insights that will shape my spiritual understanding and propel me forward on this incredible path.

Following the lecture phase, the journey continues into the outreach phase, lasting two to three months. This is the phase where everything I have learned and absorbed during the lectures will find expression in action. Stepping beyond the boundaries of my comfort zone, I will seize the remarkable opportunity to touch the lives of others, spreading love, service, and compassion wherever I go.

This journey I am embarking upon is unlike anything most young people my age are undertaking at this stage of life. And while it may appear daunting to some, I am filled with excitement and unwavering anticipation for what God has planned for me. It is through this mission trip that I hope to discover His divine purpose for my life and wholeheartedly dedicate myself to its pursuit.

Now, my dear friends and family, as with any significant endeavor, there are associated costs. The total expense for this mission trip amounts to $9000, and it is with the utmost humility and vulnerability that I reach out to you for support. Your contribution, whether financial or spiritual, will play a vital role in transforming this dream into a tangible reality.

I understand that not everyone may be in a position to contribute financially, and I want you to know that I genuinely appreciate and treasure your prayers, encouragement, and moral support. Your love and belief in me mean the world, and I am deeply grateful for your presence in my life. However, if you feel led to make a financial contribution, please know that no amount is too small. Each dollar brings me one step closer to fulfilling this mission and enables me to serve others with boundless love and compassion.

To make a financial contribution, you can securely donate through GoFundMe. Please know that I genuinely appreciate and love each and every one of you. Your support will have a profound impact on my journey. I am committed to sharing updates, stories, and photos throughout this mission trip so that you can witness the difference you have made in the lives of others.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read this letter and for considering supporting me on this incredible journey. It means more to me than words can convey.

With heartfelt gratitude and love,

Calista Felix