Duo taking mission trip to Belize
Danielle Henke and Nanette Symes are planning to travel 2,426 miles to help those in need.
The mother-daughter duo are traveling to Belize Aug. 22 -28 as part of a mission trip.
“I was never focused or called to do anything in my life before,” Henke said. “When I saw this mission, I was called toward it.”
While in Belize, Henke, 22, will be helping the Belize Mission and Retreat at Turtle Shores. She will dedicate her time by helping with construction, cleaning, cooking and teaching.
Henke convinced her mother to come with her. Symes, who was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2009, wasn’t sure how she could help the mission.
“They told us that there was no pressure to stay up with the group,” Symes said. “I can help with the crafts, snacks and low-impact activities.”
The first step for the women is to raise funds for the trip.
Tonight at the Farmers Market they will have a booth. They will hold a raffle. Local businesses have donated to their cause with items such as gift cards, movie and theater tickets and gift baskets. Raffle tickets are $1 each and six for $5.
“Our hope is to also be able to spread the word to everyone,” Symes said.
Henke said she wants to help give others the knowledge and support for missions, too.
They plan to be at each Farmers Market until July 25. The raffle winners will be drawn then.
Anyone is welcome to join the women on their journey as long as they can also contribute to the fund. Henke is also selling Krispy Kreme doughnuts to help raise funds.
So why are the women doing mission work for Belize? In Belize, 50 percent of the population is 18 or younger. This is why tutors in schools are needed. The country also has many refugees from neighboring countries like Guatemala and Honduras. The mission does have long-term missionary work.
“My ultimate goal is to make this into a career for me,” Henke said.
With a huge smile on her face Henke said that she is ready to go.
“God has provided us with everything,” Symes adds.
To learn more about their mission contact Symes at 620-363-4571 and Henke at 620-363-0695.
