I don’t know about you, but I’m continually in awe of the good vibes surrounding Appalachian State. Whether it’s fighting for freedom through the International Justice Mission (the founder, Madisson, was one of our past celebs), the passion for giving back through Alternative Spring Break, preserving the earth through the Solar Decathlon, or just friendly gestures around campus, Appalachian is all about giving good to the community and around the world.
This year I was lucky enough to reunite with two people who are doing just that. In early September I found myself in the same Elevation eGroup as my freshman roommate and a friend from home, Caitlin Elkins and Ellen Burkhart. Just a couple weeks ago they were given the news that they’d be spending the next year of their lives together in Africa ministering to orphans. These two women are going to be life changers! Now, in hopes of continuing to spread the love here in Boone, here’s a look at what Caitlin and Ellen are doing to change the world. Maybe you’ll get inspired too!
(Left: Caitlin, Right: Ellen)
Q: Can you tell me a little bit about what ya’ll will be doing in Africa?
Caitlin & Ellen: We will be helping open an orphanage for infants ages 0-2 and caring for them and loving them. We will be showing the love of the Lord to these children. We will be creating lesson plans for educating the orphans.
Q: What sparked each of your interests in international mission work in the first place?
Caitlin & Ellen: God has everything to do with this adventure, this dream and our drive to be in Africa. He put it on our hearts and took firm hold of it. When God puts something on your heart, it’s impossible to ignore. More than anything, we want to be in the center of His will for our lives.
Q: Have both of you always wanted to spend time abroad? And why this and not an average “study abroad” trip?
Caitlin & Ellen: This trip is an absolute new experience and adventure. With God as our strength and our help, we will touch lives and show others love that have never known Perfect Love.
Q: What would you say your passions and motivations are that fuel this trip?
Caitlin & Ellen: We love children. We love Jesus. We love Africa. And we are so blessed the Lord brought them all together in a beautiful perfect plan that we are about to take part in.
Q: What will you both be doing once you get there? And can you tell me a little bit about the organization ya’ll are going with?
Caitlin & Ellen: The organization is based out of Atlanta, Georgia. It is a non-profit Christian organization settled in Kenya, Africa looking to reach the people of Kenya through God’s love and let them come to know the greatness of their Creator. To learn more about the organization you can go to www.choosetoinvest.org
Q: How do ya’ll plan to fund this entire process?
Caitlin & Ellen: We will fund this process through support from selling scarves we are knitting and asking for support from family and friends. You can give online at
https://choosetoinvest.cloverdonations.com/kimbilio-support. We’re also hosting a “Kenya Bound Fundraiser” tonight at Come Back Shack! If you go to Come Back Shack and mention our names when you order, part of the proceeds will go toward funding our trip to help the orphans in Africa.
Q: What could someone do if they wanted to buy a scarf or just get involved?
Caitlin & Ellen: If someone wanted to be involved they could email me (Caitlin) at elkinscb@appstate.edu or give online at https://choosetoinvest.cloverd…