When Sarah Josten set out on her senior project last year, she didn’t go merely beyond the requirement of the project, but beyond continental borders.

She organized a trip to Kenya and – with a group of fellow Sumner High School students and others – spent the month of July at an orphanage helping provide clean water and other needs to the children living there.

Josten named the group Team Agape after the verb agape, which is an act of selfless service, or an unconditional display of love.

Josten said on the final day in Kenya, she was so emotional about leaving she cried.

Since her return she has looked at her surroundings through a different set of eyes.

“I’m learning how to live simply,” she said.

Since returning, she felt a major shift in her view of the world and has been filled with a desire to continue helping others.

“You just get this serving bug,” she said.

Her drive to serve will have her returning to Kenya June 15 through July 6, but a major change is under way.

With some help, Josten is transforming Team Agape into a full-fledged nonprofit organization.

The application process for an organization to obtain nonprofit status takes about six months and once complete, the status will, among other aspects, streamline the donation process so the organization may more efficiently assist the orphanage.

The goal of the organization is to create a steady stream of funds to continue providing services to children at the orphanage.

It requires approximately $500 each month to run the orphanage, or half what the team hopes to raise.

“We want to double that goal each month,” Josten said.

This time, Josten is not only organizing the trip, but is in charge because she’s experienced, is aware of the effort required and is willing to put her knowledge to use.

“I know how much it takes,” she said.

A major challenge is raising money for the plane tickets to Kenya. Depending on the fluctuating prices, those can be approximately $2,000 each.

As a fundraising effort, merchandise is available online at the group’s Web site. T-shirts and bracelets are for sale and the proceeds go toward the ticket cost.

An event at Bagel Boys in Puyallup is scheduled for this month and a Team Agape Prayer Night took place Monday at Foursquare Church in Puyallup.

Many making the summer trip attend Foursquare Church, but the adventure is not officially connected with any church.

Donations may be made online at www.agapeambassadors.community.officelive.com.

Josten documented her 2009 trip daily and her online journal is posted at www.teamagapesarah.blogspot.com.

She is attending Pierce College, studying communications, and wants to work for Catholic Relief Services one day.

The desire to serve others is not limited to overseas, but includes right here at home, she said.

“It’s important to help people here as well,” she said.