Hi I’m Samantha. I’m a teenager that’s a part of KOAM.
In 2016, I had the opportunity to go to Costa Rica for the first time. It was an amazing opportunity and I met so many cute little kids. I met this girl named Stephanie and she changed my life. A few months ago, I was again given a chance to go back to Costa Rica. This second trip impacted me a lot more then the first one. We got to go into the community and pass out fliers which I though was super nice to see where they live and what their lives are like. One nice family even let me use their bathroom. I also got to see a lot more of how we impact the people we are there serving and how they impact us. This year, leaving was totally different from leaving last year. This year I actually built some good relationships with people and it was a real struggle having to leave these people I loved.
No only have I been given the amazing opportunity to go in two missions trips but I’m also a part of the backpack initiative. We have been working really hard to raise money for our goal of $1,200 for 1,000 backpacks.
I also set up my first fundraiser. It’s on May 19 at Chipotle (River Park) from 5-9. I would love for you to stop by and support our backpack initiaitve!
~Samantha Portale