In August 2017 we donated a library (bookshelves, books and bookends) and a computer lab (server and 25 tablets) to an elementary school in Canton Rio Camanibal. In the same trip, we also installed low-emission wood-burning stoves and 10-year water filters, served the elderly and visited a preschool in San Jorge la Laguna, Guatemala, and donated an ultrasound machine and other medical supplies to the Charlie Gomez Medical Clinic in Panajachel, Guatemala!
Hi, I’m Mike Margolies. Lillian (my wife) and I brought Andrew home from Guatemala on October 11th, 2001. It was exactly one month after 9/11, the horrendous day that no one will ever forget. From the window of my parents’ apartment, I watched the smoke billow out from Ground Zero, having the same fears and sorrow as the rest of the country, but also feeling intense personal sadness that despite all the time, work, and effort which had exhausted us emotionally and physically, our hopes were floating away as well. It is just one more reason why I have always considered the adoption as a gift, which demanded some type of repayment. That feeling grew even stronger over the recent past, as I’ve learned about the refugee crisis, and heard “Guatemala” mentioned so many times on the news.
The “right” opportunity arose when I learned about a travel opportunity for adoptive families which would include volunteer work and cultural sightseeing. Being members of that team had a profound impact on me, Lillian and Andrew. Not only were we able to make a real connection to our son’s birthplace, but we met incredibly warm and generous people, all of whom we now consider to be a part of our “family.” In addition to the volunteer work I shared with the Team, I also was able to “give back” by performing as my alter ego, “Farfel the Clown” at a barbecue for children of The Backyard School. It will remain one the proudest and happiest memories of my life.
While in Guatemala, I got to know some of the most courageous and impressive people I’ve ever met in my life, people that create opportunity and help the Guatemalan people. Through participation on that team, I had the wonderful pleasure to meet Jennifer Demar, who not only always promptly responds to my FB messages, but “gets” my offbeat and silly humor. Through the donation of my time, money and ideas, as well as via future repeat trips to Guatemala, I am committed to the mission of Guatemala Service Projects.
I feel very proud and honored to have been selected as a member of the GSP Board, and I am looking forward to serving and assisting with the foundation to the best of my ability.