As some of you know, I was a founding member of Latin American Adoptive Families of Wisconsin, a recently-dissolved nonprofit organization in the state of Wisconsin.  I joined about 15 years ago, shortly after adopting my eldest from Guatemala.  From an initial gathering of a handful, LAAF grew to over 500 member families!

When Guatemala Service Projects had their Open House in November, many of the LAAF families expressed interest in attending but could not.  That did not stop them, however, from creating an atmosphere for learning about the ways two LAAF families joined with Trent Faith to form this nonprofit!  (Two officers of the nonprofit were members of LAAF.)

Yesterday, I attended a social/fundraising gathering at the home of one of my LAAF friends!  It was such a wonderful way to connect with old friends and to make some new ones.  Armed with easels and display boards, and some videos showing the children we will be supporting in Guatemala, I spoke excitedly for nearly an hour.  I explained the course of events leading to the formation of the nonprofit and acquisition of 501c3 status, the contacts we’ve established, our budget for implementation of the library project, and ways that we will work with to bring about health improvements and provide student sponsorship.

Great questions were asked, ideas shared, and financial support generously offered!  In addition to the physical donations of school supplies, backpacks, prenatal vitamins, medical supplies and toiletries, I collected $625!  That is more than enough to fund four of the 25 tablets, and adds to the $491.19 that LAAF donated to Guatemala Service Projects upon their dissolution!  Thank you so much!

I left the event yesterday beaming with joy, enjoying the sunshine around me and reflecting on the wonderful ways that my supporters have entrusted me to be the instruments of their own philanthropy.

As a side note, three of the guests in attendance yesterday have trips to Guatemala planned this summer in advance of ours!  It is so nice to hear about their plans for enjoying the friendly and warm culture of Guatemala’s people and the other ways they have chosen to give back!