Spain: the need

Did you know that over 50% of Spanish youth are unemployed? (Here's an article from The Guardian that describes the severity of unemployment in Spanish youth.) It's difficult to grasp a number so huge. How can unemployment get so high? And what do the youth do with their "free" time if they aren't working?

It is for reasons such as this that I am particularly drawn to Spain right now. And bonus: I get to put my skills as a Master of International Development to use! I cannot even begin to express how excited I am to be part of this team that will be launching a community development site in a place that so desperately needs it.

As part of this team, one of my main roles in Málaga will be to listen to the needs of those in the community, particularly the (unemployed) youth. It is not my intention to go over there and tell them what is wrong and how to fix it. Rather, I hope to come alongside the individuals in the community and empower them to feel a sense of ownership and take on leadership roles within their neighborhoods. 

This is not a short-term fix to the current economic problems, but I do believe that the relationships I build with my soon-to-be neighbors in the coming years can lead to a long-term solution.

This will have a ripple effect on the generations to come - in communities throughout Spain, Europe and the world. It starts with the change of one person's heart, perspective and attitude. I believe that the work I'll be a part of next year will have lasting effect. Would you consider partnering with me in transforming lives one community at a time?

I have two weeks until I need to be in Spain and I've still got a ways to go with raising enough funds. Because I am not a resident of Spain and can therefore not have a job, I cannot live there without YOUR SUPPORT. Please consider giving a monthly, quarterly or one-time donation to my fund through CRM. 

Below are what I need to raise:
$1300 each month for 12 months
$4600 one-time expenses
No gift is too big or too small. Every penny counts!


♥ mk

the next destination

"To travel is to take a journey into yourself" - Danny Kaye

Well, I've lived in beautiful San Diego for over 2 years now. Which means it's time for a change. ;) But really, I am so grateful for the last few months I've gotten to spend in San Diego NOT in school. I am leaving this city on a positive note - with so many incredible friendships and even more great memories.

So what's next?

To recap: I graduated with my Master's in International Development from UC, San Diego  in June. A week later, I flew to Tel Aviv to spend a couple of weeks learning from peacemakers throughout Israel/Palestine. On my way back to the States, I stopped in Spain to meet the Moens, a couple that is pioneering a community development site in Málaga. I had been put in touch with them a few months before graduating and was really drawn to their vision of empowering young Spaniards to be leaders through the context of community and community development. This was something that not only lined up with my heart for Europe, but was also in direct relation to what I had been studying.

Exploring Málaga with the Moens

Through much prayer and several intentional conversations with the Moens, and friends and family who know me best, I have committed to joining their team for one year, with the potential of serving with their team longer term. During this time, my ministry role will involve serving alongside them, being coached/mentored, and exploring and pioneering new ministry endeavors. I will also be living with the Moens, and helping with their children as they continue language study. My personal vision is to see Europeans reached with the gospel by empowering local leaders and encouraging them to engage in their own neighborhood. I’m excited and thankful God is opening the door for me to pursue this vision in Spain.

But I can’t do it alone! In order to see this work happen, I need a committed team of people behind me who also want to see this vision come to fruition. The main ways you can partner with me is by committing to pray for me and supporting this work financially. My greatest need is for people who feel able and willing to commit to a monthly contribution. I need to raise $1300 per month, as well as $4600 in one-time expenses. You can donate here.

Feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions!

♥ mk