Kate Matthews' Fundraiser

I didn’t plan this.

I just said yes.

What first led me here wasn’t even Nicaragua. It was a no. A mission trip to Africa that didn’t work out. But in that redirection, God placed something else in front of me: Amigos for Christ.

I didn’t fully know what He was going to do with my yes. But I said it anyway.

And what I found was a community that lives like Jesus is the only thing they own.

They don’t have much, but what they have, they share. Joy, faith, love, and each other.

On the very first day, we climbed a volcano. I chose the hardest way up, straight up the front. The only way I can describe it is this:

If God showed you everything it would take to get to the top, would you still climb?

Because it wasn’t easy. The only way I made it was step by step. Not looking back, not looking too far ahead, just trusting where my next foot would land.

And that set the tone for everything.

When we walked into the academy, I expected to serve. But instead, I was the one changed.

These children don’t just go to school. They choose it.

At 3 years old, they are disciplined, present, and full of joy. Their parents are invested. Their community is invested. Many of them walk 1 to 3 miles each way just for the opportunity to learn.

When we walked into their classrooms, they prayed over us. They worshiped with us. They hugged us like they had known us forever.

We didn’t even speak the same language, but they showed me the love of Christ through their actions.

And I couldn’t stop thinking.

Growing up, school was just something we did. We never had to question our next meal. We never had to walk miles for an education. We live in a world with running water, convenience, and opportunity, and still find things to complain about.

It put everything into perspective.

It costs $600 to feed and educate one child for an entire year.

$600.

I challenge you to really sit with that. Where have you spent $600 without thinking twice? And what could that same $600 do here?

This year, for my birthday, I’m not asking for gifts. I’m asking for impact.

My goal is set at $0 because I truly believe anything you feel led to give is already more than enough. This isn’t about obligation. It’s about open hands and an open heart.

Not giving what feels comfortable,

but asking, what more can I give?

Because imagine if someone made an investment in your life the way you have the opportunity to today.

If this moves you at all, I invite you to partner with me. To not just give, but to be part of something bigger than ourselves.

And if nothing else, I hope this leaves you with one thing. Deep gratitude for the life you live and a desire to share that blessing with someone else.