Hey family and friends,

I have recently been given the opportunity to travel to North India to document a trip that supports 99 Balloons’ Global Partners. 99 Balloons exists to help others engage children with special needs locally and globally. My job while I’m there will be to tell the stories of the professionals on the trip, and the people we meet in India. In addition to experiencing the story of disability in North India, I will document the team as they provide training, respite services for families, give direct care for kids with disabilities, and host medical clinics. Our team will be working with a  disability support center which serves over 180 villages in the rural foothills of the Himalayas. 

You may be asking yourself, “Why does Derick even want to do this?” Well let me answer that for you.

Jesus. 

He gave me a passion in college to tell people’s stories. He gave me a passion to travel. I was able to get a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in journalism, and I plan on using my education and expertise to advance the Gospel. It is my dream to travel the world and tell the stories of the people that inhabit it. And this is my first opportunity to do so.

I’m sending you this message to ask for your help in complete humility. I was added super late in the process, and only have a month to raise the necessary funds. The total cost for this trip is $2,835, and we leave May 22. So thinking of how I could fund this in such a short amount of time has been nothing less than terrifying. But, I know that I cannot limit God. I’m allowing the Holy Spirit to take me deeper than my feet could ever wander, and where my faith will be made stronger. 

So, I’m stepping out in complete faith and asking for your help. Whether it’s financial help, or a commitment to pray for me and my journey. I just ask for your help. 

If you would like to give financially to my trip, you can donate here.

I love you guys, and am so thankful for your support!

Derick McKinney