Pamela Copeman » Guatemala: A Service Trip

Guatemala: A Service Trip

Jun 07 2013 · 0 comments · Personal, Travel ·1

As you may know by now, I have just celebrated my “It’s a Wonderful Life” birthday (aka 30 again!) ~ perhaps you saw my Posh Picks for Birthday Cakes and Crowns. I enjoyed several fun and festive celebrations with family and good friends.

This is a milestone birthday year for me and I have long been contemplating how to best commemorate it in a larger sense…

Fate stepped in when I met a beautiful Southern Belle at Brizo’s Fashion Week event in NYC last Fall. Kelly Kole of Kandrac-Kole Interiors is an Atlanta-based interior designer with style, flair and the bluest eyes I ever have seen!

Kelly is the beauty on the far left

That’s me with some of the other ‘Blogger 19’ at the post-runway show cocktail party with Jason Wu

Kelly has been raising money for and participating in missions via Catalyst Resources International for 5 years. Along with her team of volunteers, she helps build homes for families in Guatemala. Her enthusiasm and true grit inspired me to join this effort.

This is a ‘before’ shot of a house Kelly helped rebuild:

photo courtesy of Kelly Kole

Framing for the new house in progress:

photo courtesy of Kelly Kole

While this home may not be like the homes I am used to selecting colors and fabrics for, it is just as surely filled with love. I am so excited to be going to Guatemala as part of Kelly’s team to help build a 3 room house from the ground up!

Kelly and her group with the family in their new home!

While we are there, I am hoping we will be able to visit the market and purchase shoes and toothbrushes for the families as the team did last year.

photo courtesy of Kelly Kole

Guatemala kids with toothbrushes and new shoes

photo courtesy of Kelly Kole

In preparation for my trip (I leave in a little over a week!), I have had my shots (EEK!), taken my oral typhoid vaccine and packed my low-heeled kitten shoes.

I would love your support ~ your good thoughts, your prayers and any contributions would be so appreciated. I’ve set up a page for anyone who would like to offer financial support here.