Experience of a lifetime: The Beginning

Here goes - my first blog - before I embark on the Ambassadors for Prosperity Program in Bogota, Colombia, they've asked me to reflect on a few things, beginning with why I signed up.

I was adopted from FANA (Bogota, Colombia) in 1977.  I returned for the first time in October, 2012, anxious to see, hear and learn everything I could about this place which had made life as I know it possible.  Flor Angela, who had been at the orphanage since before my time, was a Godsend. She gave me my original documents, a picture of me at birth, a personalized tour and history of F.A.N.A. and many positive facts about the country of my origin.  She's a beautiful person with a huge heart who believes she was most likely the one who handed me to my parents for the first time. QUE LINDA!  I was blessed to meet with her...but it wasn't enough.  I had waited decades to return and the things I wanted to see the most were the kids and everything related to them.  How do they sleep?  Where do they eat?  Do they go to school here?  Are there uniforms?  Who takes care of them?  DENIED!  There was a measles outbreak which meant all children's areas were off-limits.  Are you kidding me?!?  Where's the hidden camera??

After returning to the States, I was added to FANA's mailing list and that's how I was introduced to this incredible opportunity.  On May 8, 2013, this email header was all I needed to see - COUNT ME IN!

FANA needs volunteers to help in Colombia