I (Kathryn, on the right) am going to Guatemala on a service trip and will be building ovens for the community by day and by night playing with kids and being fully immersed in the Guatemalan-Mayan culture.

And wait, there's more...

I was adopted from Guatemala when I was about 6 months old. My younger brothers were also adopted after me to Canada. In a series of surreal events, we found each other 7 years ago (picture shown above is from November 2023). To say finding them is surreal is an understatement. It is a gift is priceless. I have been fortunate to have shared 7 Christmases, birthdays and random weekends with them. And now my younger brother, Cameron, has a child. My first biological nephew that I get to see our genetics in - I get to be his Aunt Kitty for life. It's a gift I never take for granted.

I've never been back to Guatemala since I left 33 years ago. I get to serve the people whose culture, heritage, and spirituality flows in me. I get to see where I was born. I get to give back to the country and land where I took my first breath. I get to put the missing puzzle piece back in its long awaited and rightful place.

I'm doing this trip for myself, my soul, my brothers, my nephew, for every single adoptee that always wonders if they're enough and if it's possible to feel fully themselves. I'm doing this to serve. I'm doing this to say thank you so let's start with the first thank you... to you:

Thank you. Thank you for your donation, your support, your kindness. It does not go unnoticed. I will carry you with me there and share your love with the people of Guatemala. You are always enough - vital.

With love and gratitude,

Kathryn