Hey! I'm Makenna! As some of you may know, I was adopted from Guatemala as a baby by my amazing family. I was blessed with four older brothers and two wonderful parents. I have been blessed with many opportunities that I would have never had in Guatemala.

I currently study at Missouri State Springfield as an Elementary Education major, following in my mom's footsteps. I had recently decided that after I graduate with my bachelor's that I would go back to visit Guatemala, as a time of reflection and gratitude. Those plans have changed. I've been given the opportunity to study abroad for two weeks in Guatemala through Missouri State University. About three weeks ago, I got an email from the university that they were doing a trip abroad to Guatemala for education majors to participate in if they wished. Guatemala, being near and dear to my heart, I knew this was an opportunity for me to go back and experience the culture, the people, and the lives that they lived. This also allows me to give back to a place where my life began.

I weighed my options and made the decision to apply, and thankfully, I was accepted into the program! Not only will I get to visit where I was born, but I will also get to deepen my understanding of the culture and my education. There is a whole itinerary that has to do with learning from as well as teaching people in Guatemala. With that said, I still have to pay for the program fee, airfare, and the tuition cost. I believe I will be able to do it, but with your help, my dreams could be a reality!

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, and I thank you for any donation made!