Determined student sells scarves to raise money for year-long trip

Cape Central High School student Molly Kinder has big plans for life after graduation. Like most graduating seniors, her eyes are looking toward college, but in Kinder's field of vision, there is a mission to complete before college days begin.

That mission comes in the form of a year-long mission trip beginning in September.

Kinder's inspiration to take on this challenge comes from a book she read, "Kisses from Katie," by Katie J. Davis.

"It's about this girl who takes a year off before college and she moves to Uganda and teaches," said Kinder.

Kinder said the book has inspired her to look deeper into her own spiritual calling.

Molly Kinder, 17, is selling scarves, like the ones she is wearing, to help raise money for her upcoming year-long mission trip. (ADAM VOGLER)

Her influences extend beyond the printed word, as Kinder credits Christian ministry organization Young Life leader, Rika Friedrich, with providing leadership and inspiration.

"I found YWAM on my own, but she definitely encouraged me a lot," Kinder said.

The mission trip is a big commitment.

"The program I'm doing it with is called YWAM, which stands for Youth With A Mission," Kinder said. "It's a huge organization with schools all over the world, called 'discipleship training schools.' For part of the time, I will be training, preparing for what it's like to be a missionary; they even train you on what to do if foreigners don't like westerners, that kind of thing," she said.

Kinder will train for the program for seven months.

ADAM VOGLER ~ avogler@semissourian.comMolly Kinder, 17, at the Southeast Missourian Monday, Feb. 25. Kinder is selling scarves, like the one she is wearing, to help raise money for her upcoming year-long mission trip. The scarves are available at http://www.etsy.com/shop/infinitelovescarves..

"There will be hands-on experience in Wales, and then for three months after that, I'll be going on a 'real' mission trip," she said.

Kinder said that destination isn't yet determined.

"I don't know where yet, but in the past they have gone to India, Mongolia, Uganda; some pretty tough places to go," she said.

Kinder feels she is prepared to take on the challenges of being abroad that long; in fact, she looks forward to the time she'll spend abroad.

She said when doing short mission trips, "it's good for people like us to see that, but you're only gone for a week."

Kinder feels that while on the short mission trips, it's hard to see the impact of work.

"I'll be there for three months, so hopefully I'll be able to see things changing and make a difference."

Kinder is raising money toward a goal of $9,000. She hopes to have the funds raised by the end of May.

"I've had a lot of support from my friends and family," Kinder said. "I'm hoping to get some support from my church, Centenary [United Methodist], as well."

Kinder also realizes that she cannot expect her family and friends to fund her entire trip, which is why she has started a unique fundraiser.

Kinder is making and selling scarves as a way to help fund the trip.

"I thought it would be easy, and girls love scarves," Kinder said. "I think the idea came from Pinterest. I order fabric online and make them."

Kinder decided to name her product "Infinite Love Scarves," which was inspired by a Bible passage, Jeremiah 31:3.

"The verse says that the Lord loves us with an everlasting love; it sounds kind of cheesy, but I thought it was cute," she said with a smile.

The scarves are $20 each or two for $35.

College is still on the horizon for Kinder.

"I've been accepted to Webster University in St. Louis," Kinder said, "and I plan on going there when I get back, but I know that I've always wanted to travel."

Kinder said she is ready to break free from the confines of the classroom.

"I feel like when I'm done with this, I'll have a better understanding of the world and of people, which will be good for college," she said

Kinder's scarves are available online at http://www.etsy.com/shop/infinitelovescarves, or by sending kinder an email at kollyminder@gmail.com.

Pertinent address:

1000 S. Silver Springs Rd., Cape Girardeau, MO