Shameless begging

Remember Kate, the little girl who wanted a sister...and brothers...and who inspired this blog? She's a big girl now, a junior in high school who is 16 1/2 years old. She got the siblings she dreamed of via our 3 adoptions. She got the chance to experience a different culture on our multiple trips to Kazakhstan. In fact, you could say she was a tiny little ambassador on that first trip to KZ...at age 8, she could charm even the sternest Kazakhs and Russians we encountered, always getting a smile. We used to send her to the hotel desk for our breakfast tickets or room key...the clerk was always rude to us as foreigners but never to the cutie who could barely reach the counter. By the end of our 3 week stay, even we were getting smiles.

Well, now Kate has a chance to take her ambassadorial talents to foreign lands once more! She's been invited to participate in the People to People Student Ambassador Program, traveling on a trip to Spain, France, and Italy for 3 weeks this summer. She's thrilled to have this opportunity and we're thrilled for her...but it's expensive. From the time she got the invitation, we told her she'd have to help raise the money if she really wanted to go. (With 5 teenagers at home and college just around the corner, Mom and Dad don't exactly have an excess of discretionary income!) We've been chipping in what we can; family and friends have been helping as well. (A big thanks to all of you who have made donations!)

At the same time, our girl is also fundraising her heart out. She wrapped gifts for donations at the holidays and has offered her services as a babysitter. She sold Valentine's candy last month, and is currently making cell phone charms to sell at her school. She is planning a yard sale and is collecting bottles and cans to redeem for cash. Our hallway is currently filled with ink toner cartridges that she's trying to recycle for cash as well...every little bit helps, right?

Well, here's where the shameless begging comes in...because in spite of all her efforts, Kate still has quite a way to go before she can board that plane in July. If any of you would like to help Kate realize her goal, we would all be very grateful.

Kate is willing to work and/or create for you!!!

She is willing to do chores, babysit, bake you cookies, or make you your very own cell phone charm. Just let us know what you need done by emailing me at Alphamama64@gmail.com or leaving a comment here on the blog.

Donations for Kate's services can be made directly to her People to People Student Ambassador account.

Here's how:

Log on to payment.peopletopeople.com
Enter Kate's last name and the Delegate ID# shown below

Donate whichever dollar amount you wish...and don't forget to tell us what you'd like Kate to do in return, whether it's walk your dog or send you postcards from the trip!

Name: Kate Schoelles
Delegate ID#: 10147881


My Kate doesn't know I'm posting this request. She wants to do this on her own and I'm so proud of her efforts...but a little help from Mom in promoting her fundraising and spreading the word doesn't count as meddling, right? I'd love for my girl to have this opportunity. Thank you!


To find out more about People to People Ambassador Programs visit www.peopletopeople.com