Dear friends,

The countdown has begun. Winter break is just around the corner, and what I'm looking most forward to upon completion of my final exams isn't the trip home, but rather my flight in the opposite direction. That's because I will be spending the first part of my break traveling with students from Northwestern University’s Catholic center to volunteer with La Familia Padre Fabretto in Cusmapa, Nicaragua. The Fabretto organization enables impoverished Nicaraguan children and their families to break the cycle of poverty through programs that promote nutrition, health, education, and character development. Fabretto serves over 5,000 children in the remote areas of Nicaragua, and as a group we will be working directly with some of these children in their after-school programs. To learn more about the Fabretto organization, visit their website at: www.fabretto.org. Having the privilege to embark on this journey is important to me because it offers a chance to work with and get to know members of an underprivileged community. Too often do I feel I take my home life and university education for granted, and I pray that through this trip, I may become greatly humbled in what God has provided me with, and moved to further support and advocate causes like La Familia Padre Fabretto. It is one thing to hear about ongoing issues affecting others in the world, but I believe becoming immersed in such an environment can be a truly life-changing experience.

How You Can Help?

The cost for the trip is $975 per person. All of our volunteers are students, and many would not be able to make the trip without the help of our fundraising efforts. Therefore, your financial contribution is greatly appreciated. The money first goes to pay for our trip expenses, and any additional donations will be given to La Familia Padre Fabretto to support their programs in Nicaragua. In preparation for our trip, our travelers regularly gather together as a faith community. We use our time together to educate one another about the people, culture, and economics of Nicaragua. We also spend time together in prayer – to share our hopes and fears, to welcome God on the journey with us, and ask God to bless the children of Nicaragua and their families. We invite you to pray with us as well. Thank you for your support during this journey. Your prayers and financial contributions are greatly appreciated.

God bless,

Mike Hernandez