Kaitlyn's Around-the-World Semester

(ATW IV Team. Photo Courtesy of: Adam Lee)
Around-the-World Semester® 2016  (ATW IV) 

Hello Family and Friends,
I am so excited to announce that I have been accepted to Concordia's Around-the-World-Semester!
Starting August 1st, 2016, alongside three professors, four graduate assistants, and 30 fellow "Roundlings," I'll be traveling to 10 countries, spending two weeks each in: Japan, China, India, Greece, Czech Republic, England, Ghana, Morocco, Ecuador, and Costa Rica. My team members and I will be learning from primary literary and religious texts from each country, about local culture, and serve others through mission/humanitarian work in every country. 

For those of you that know my brother, Aaron, he was fortunate enough to be apart of the first ATW Concordia offered. This experience was so special to him, and he always tells me how some of his fondest memories are from this trip. 
Initially, I wasn't considering this trip. I didn't want to fill Aaron's huge footsteps. Then, God seem to decide that I wasn't making the right decision. As I kept attempting to push away from this opportunity, HE continued to pull me back in. And now, here I am... accepted and ecstatic.

With my excitement, also comes some anxiety... This opportunity is an expensive one. On top of CUI's tuition, ATW costs around $10,000. EEK! Right?! Well, with your help, this cost could be decreased. Any little bit helps. I feel that this is where God is leading me at this point in my life, and if you feel led to contribute, there are no words I could express to you to show my gratitude, but know that I am SO THANKFUL for your financial help. 
MOST IMPORTANTLY, please pray for the whole ATW team. Prayer is what will get all of us through this stressful and crazy time, and we all need it. 
I appreciate any contribution you could possibly donate, whether that be $100, $50, $25, or just prayers, it all counts.  I have also started a blog, that you are welcome to follow at, www.kaitlynsadventures.wordpress.com. Thank you in advance for supporting my coming adventures!

Love,
Kaitlyn Bird
CUI Freshman