"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" - John 1:5 (NIV)

Dear Friends and Community,

Meet my dear friend Nicky (Nikiesha Virgil).   I am reaching out to share an incredible opportunity she is about to embark on -  a transformative pilgrimage through France in August 2026. 

This journey aims to deepen her faith and commitment to being a disciple of light, and I believe she is truly deserving of our support.

Why Nicky?

Over the 15 years I have known her and her family, I have witnessed how Nicky, a single mom and her two sons, focus their whole lives on how they can love others as Jesus loved. It has been a privilege to witness their unwavering faith and dedication.  

Nicky pours her heart into her work with the less fortunate and is a guiding light in our Hampton Roads community and her church. 

Her youngest son excels in school, serves at the VA hospital, and is a lead server in his church community. 

Her oldest is pursuing engineering at Virginia Tech with aspirations of becoming a Naval Pilot and spends his summer and spring breaks leading other young people in mission trips all over America and Puerto Rico.

Throughout our friendship, she has taken ONLY ONE vacation - sacrificing and pouring all she has into her sons and acts of discipleship. 

This will be her first “Walk” of devotion.

I am reaching out to you humbly, asking for your support so that Nicky can fully embrace all that this pilgrimage has to offer. It is my hope that with our help, she can set aside any worries about finances and focus entirely on her spiritual journey. Your contributions will help lift this burden, allowing her to immerse herself in prayer, reflection, and the beauty of her surroundings without the stress of financial obligations.

The Pilgrimage

Beloved Daughters: Pilgrimage of the Heart For Women Through France with Fr. Pierre Toussaint, CFR and Dominique Seraphin (A Select International Tour)

Nicky’s pilgrimage is an opportunity for spiritual growth, reflection, and connection with God. However, this journey comes at a cost of approximately $5,000, which includes travel expenses but does not cover personal costs, church donations, tips, and gratuities for guides and drivers. Your contributions will help offset these expenses, allowing Nicky to fully immerse herself in this sacred experience without financial burden.

Key Dates

• Deposit Due: April 25, 2026
• Final Payment Due: June 4, 2026
• Donation Deadline: May 31, 2026

How You Can Help

I invite you to join me in supporting Nicky on this meaningful journey. Every donation, no matter the amount, will make a difference and will serve as a testament to the light she brings into our lives. 

If you have been on a pilgrimage or mission trip, you know how life-changing such a journey can be. The experiences, the moments of reflection, and the connections made can profoundly impact one’s faith and purpose. 

If you have not had the opportunity to embark on a journey like this, please trust that this experience will indeed strengthen Nicky's faith and empower her to continue her mission of spreading light and love within our community.

Your blessings upon her will not only be appreciated but will also demonstrate that you too, are a light in a world that can often be overshadowed by darkness. 

Thank you for your kindness and generosity.

With gratitude,

Regina Leigh