I also owe a huge thank you to Jim, who is also on my Board of Directors, for donating the funds to feed the Rebero Orphans and both the Hope Shines and OA volunteers lunches everyday of the camp. Also, to Emily at Underground Printing for the speedy delivery of the t-shirts for my volunteers. Thanks Joelle for coordinating the t-shirts and for designing our logo! So many people helped in ways that are immeasurable from my neighbor, Anthony, carrying my 70lb suitcase down 5 flights of stairs at 7am to the gate agents in the Brussels airport running through the airport with me to get me to my flight b.c my inbound one was almost 2hrs late. THANK YOU!

In the days since arriving home, I feel a great sense of momentum for Hope Shines here in my community of friends and family. The saying “it takes a village to raise a child” is ringing out loud and clear here. Everyone who has expressed support and interest has a part in this too. Its your positive energy that helps to move this forward. Thanks for taking this ride along with me.

We are working on getting nonprofit status by going under the umbrella of another NP that is well established. I am learning all about how much work it takes to run and maintain an NP, especially when it comes to reporting to the government. Its a full time job. Once we have enough funding, we will strike out on our own … when I can hire someone to keep the books and maintain the gov’t reports. Until then, I am happy to take baby steps. Once we are an extension of this other NP we will be able to accept donations that offer a tax write off!

Feel free to join the Hope Shines Foundation facebook group!