I know dreams come true... but this? This is next level.

The only words that come to mind are gratitude, excitement, and—on the flip side—Fear (yes, with a capital F). The fear of stepping outside of my comfort zone and Country to create something with the intentions solely to give back.

Work has been slower this fall, and I’ve been embracing it. While fear creeps in now and then, for the most part, I can quiet the loud voices in my head telling me I should be doing something. I’ve taken the time to enjoy the calm, embrace what God has given me, and just sit still in gratitude until it’s time to move.

Sitting on the couch with my laptop in hand, I think about trips I'd like to take in January 2025. I’m searching for places to travel solo—ones that have all the planning and preparations already laid out, so there’s less room for fear. All I’ll have to do is get on a plane and cross my fingers.

I started looking into Guatemala, Belize, and Brazil, then randomly thought to look up a family I’d heard about through a mutual friend. The Dargatz family sold everything in Rossland, B.C. Canada, and moved their five children to Guatemala. They started an organization called "The Giving Experiment," (Parenting Blog | The Giving Experiment) which began with a one-year trial with "Loving their neighbor as thier selves". This led them to San Juan La Laguna where they serve and support their local neighborhood. Four years later, they’re still there, giving back. I reached out and told them I had always wanted to volunteer abroad. Since I was a girl, I’ve dreamed of building homes for families in need. I had no idea this dream would actually have the opportunity to come true.

Christina and Owen responded to my Facebook message and asked me to fill out a volunteer form. One of the questions on the form asked about my profession, so of course, I filled in mine as an Interior Designer and shared my dream with them. Within a few days, I got a call—one that would no doubt change my plans and my life. Do we really get to choose our plans, or are they already laid out for us?

Christina and Owen Dargatz called me and offered me the opportunity to travel there for a month and transform a rundown taverna (bar) into a home for a woman named Ceci and her three children. Ceci is currently living in a home with her sister, mother, and their children. The home has rats, cockroaches, and water leaks, and they are often sick. I didn’t hesitate to accept this offer—it’s a godsend, and I’ve decided to take one small step each day to get the ball rolling and make this dream come true.

I'd love to share the process, my travels, and the transformation with you, not only the bar transformation but my transformation. A trip like this leaves an imprint on your heart that lasts a lifetime. I know this will have its challenges, but what in life doesn't? It's time to step outside the norm and take a leap into the unknown. Wish me luck!

Stay tuned for more, and in the meantime if you'd like to donate to this cause please click the link below, any amount no matter how big or small will transform the lives of this family in Guatemala.

https://email.gofundme.com/ls/click?upn=u001.VKL9R-2FpsBVHTXIk4oSEdls3D0NYeUqiNOaL67KtIZ9UpRPOE5AnF82KviHjbQyUX5nRYDVThiC30-2FRjL9Zl2Mt1vXa-2FVVzA4fYFB6RN5c2ePkieI-2F-2FFVW5Bj-2FrzEYLjr-2FVS6BLLg1eJVS1-2BJbCBq6VGWbe8lCg7B87NgRlV9IMRqmwyS11AdoCmzhTStslcw1huwTciElqCn2feIwWSfKd5-2F1C2msZF4KKMJgck5x4M-3DO1eY_ZNhHlhVCKTPP5n0T6o0WPuLFv1Ycpg7mDPoRp6cZuJRMrCXkYtrVG1O3HZf9R3F8-2FYuh-2BoHi1QuCY7Smov1nPydBIx6CFagLR-2BfCbmoTZPT9zLfloXa8PEcL01mkY8ntZk9WvH5wz4A4xxjqI3eOzERvwrhG5IWQg9fGuKbAFbAPDq5j86Kkd53ROaswqhg70IXfNTnUgZJrvthMJMrrN6ohy4KN2l-2Fk36NjkXt2ZE57sl4OztD423wj2pmtkjX0R6KCwQKV-2FoxZxVQ8PbUWYw-3D-3D

Thanks for listening,

Steph