Orson and Theodora recently arrived home from Colombia where they spent five months living with host families and attending local high schools. They were beneficiaries of a generous scholarship through AFS Intercultural Programs, the sending organization - without which they would not have been able to participate.

Orson made a dear friend in his small community and we would like to invite him to spend the next school year living with us and attending Wallenpaupack High School for my kids' senior year.

Please read Orson's fundraising letter and, if you are able, make a contribution towards this life changing opportunity for Daniel. AFS Colombia does not offer scholarships, so we are trying to raise the funds to cover his program fees.

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As you may know, I just arrived back home to the USA from my intercultural exchange in Colombia. I had an amazing time in Colombia, learned much about the world and myself, and created many lifelong relationships.

I am writing to tell you about my friend Daniel Santiago Rodriguez and ask for your help. Daniel is my brother across the world that I never knew I had until about only 6 months ago. Daniel, without knowing me, brought me into his life, his friend group, and into his family with open arms.

While when we first met I was still learning Spanish, Daniel and I instantly understood each other through the international language of love. Whether we were playing soccer, going out to lunch, or talking for hours, Daniel always found a way to make me feel at home, even while I was thousands of miles away from my blood.

He and his kind family showed me a new way of life. While Daniel’s family didn’t have much, they always found a way to share what they did have. Not only did they welcome me into their home, but they also let me into their family. I felt like a brother to Daniel, and his parents treated me as their own. Daniel is considered by all who know him as wholeheartedly kind, smart, giving, and thoughtful. Daniel not only showed me a whole new world, but he also taught me a lot, and much more than just Spanish.

I would like to return the favor to Daniel and give him the opportunity to come and live in the USA. My family would love to host him here in our home, but I do not have the funds to pay for the exchange program and Daniel’s family does not have any spare money to go towards this program. This AFS exchange program is necessary so that Daniel can receive a visa and be accepted into our school, but it is costly.

In this time of such divide in our country and in our world, we have the unique opportunity to bridge two worlds and open so many doors for a young, hardworking Colombian man. Often it's difficult to find hope in such dark times, but intercultural exchanges can be a glimmer of light. By supporting Daniel you will be helping create a brighter, more open-minded future. Please consider giving what you can so that we can make this work and give Daniel the experience of his life.

Thank you!

Orson