My Angel

Project Amigo thanks Eileen Factor of the Long Beach Rotary Club for this first hand account of her December 2003 work week visit:

"It was like a scene right out of a movie. The beds were lined up on either side of the long room. There were few windows. The walls were dark. There might have been some attempts to make the environment seem homelike, but I didn't notice, I was so overcome by the faces of the girls who eagerly greeted us; some with open arms; some with a bit of trepidation - all with obvious curiosity.

This was the Maria Angela group home in Colima, Mexico. It is home to 40 girls ages 3 to 15. There was one girl in particular who caught my eye. She wasn't the prettiest, but there was something about her that tugged at my heart . . . a softness . . . a vulnerability. Her smile was sweet and warm, in spite of her shyness when I asked her name. I couldn't help wonder what circumstances brought her to this home. I noticed other Project Amigo colleagues touched by what they saw - how could one not be.

This was part of a December work week - my first Project Amigo experience. Our week was filled with many activities, but visiting the girls' group home stood out the most for me. Our first visit was Tuesday. When we returned to the hacienda late that afternoon, I found myself haunted by Angelica. I asked Susan about her. She printed out her picture and bio, and I was hooked. I immediately signed up to be her sponsor and couldn't wait until our next visit to tell her what I had done, although I wasn't sure she would know what that meant, or if I'd be able to adequately explain it to her.

On Thursday, we returned to deliver the gifts. When I spotted Angelica, I felt a connection. I introduced her to my Rotary friends. I told her I was her "madrina." At first, she didn't seem to understand, but later, when all the girls were standing in line waiting to get their gifts, I caught her watching me. When our eyes met, she broke out in a big grin. I knew then, that she felt a connection, too.

At that moment, I understood what had inspired Susan and Ted to uproot their entire lives and put into practice the Rotary phrase "Service Above Self." You can read this article, be touched by each edition of the newsletter, peruse the Web site, but until you experience the faces first hand there is no experience at all.

Project Amigo is changing lives in ways you cannot imagine. It is taking children out of poor, broken, dysfunctional families where they have no chance and handing them futures with hope - not with charity, but guidance, love and inspiration.

It needs your financial support. And, if you want the time of your life, sign up for a work week. You will never be the same. I guarantee it!"