*PROJECT QUETZAL* - Connecticut Contingent

We have been attending and subsequently supporting this program for about 5 years now. But, last night's entertainment and fundraiser to support this Woman's Shelter and Orphanage in Guatemala was a real laughing matter. Two comedians from the Boston area were there to share some of their funny stuff with us. They did and it was. We literally laughed so hard that our jaws hurt (Megan's more than the rest of us - still dealing with the fall out from the accident).

The food was good but the Company was the best:

Steve Smith and I had an awesome time eating, drinking, laughing and sharing jokes and side comments of our own (this is what I have come to love and count on when ever we are together)

Mom and Dad Paglia (Chris and Don) were there laughing and sharing stories. They also shared their (and our) long time friends with us.

Steve and Cathy Burns from Portland, Maine were in town as the key note speakers at a nearby conference. They were staying over for the night and were able to join us for the fun. We hadn't seen them for over eight years when we stayed at their home on the way up to a distant vacation on a lake in Maine (through the generosity of our friends, Jeff and Sandy). It was a real treat to see them again.

John and Miriam Murphy were also there fresh back from their journey to Ghana, Africa. They shared enthusiastically and passionately of their experience. It is clear that they will be returning to continue to support the people there who live in utter poverty compared to our abundance. They went as individuals hooked up through John's connection and ongoing involvement with the Rotary Club in Guilford. For as long as I have known John (some 14 years) he has been involved in doing what he felt is right for others and sharing himself that way. It is inspiring to see their marriage and friendship shared in this exciting format. We are moved and touched to see how easy it is to make a difference in someones life, almost instantly, partially around the globe and that they are doing it. The one comment they made last night that struck me was that when they were making ready to leave to return home,

They gave away all that they had with them.

Their clothes, luggage, toiletries, shoes.. Everything but the clothes on their backs, 50$ and their passports. Our hearts expands just knowing them.

Jasper also came with us last night and brought along his ripstick. One of the highlights for him was the gift of a hackisack from Grandma Chris.

One of the highlights for US was him being noticed and played with by one of the comedians. He joked with us about not being able to afford a baby sitter or the possibility that Jazz had ruined all the babysitters so that he didn't have to stay home any more. (The truth lies somewhere in between) He toyed with Jazz about the skateboard and asked if he brought it everywhere and if he ever got off of it. At one point during his act Jasper road his Rip from our table, through the crowd up to and in front of the stage where the guy was doing his act and the crowd applauded the action. It was a hoot and the guy was fun and generous in the fooling about.

We also found out that the Project had finally raised the funds and just purchased a piece of land next to the standing shelter where they intend to build a new building. There is a distinct possibility that Megan, Jasper and I will have the opportunity to be involved in the construction of this new building. This, living in a Spanish speaking country and doing this kind of work, is something that we have talked about and intended for quite a few years. We always hoped that it would be for this project since we have come to know it and know the founder, peripherally, through her brother, John Cassertano and his wife Jill.

We will let you know how this progresses. Keep your fingers crossed for us as this would be a real treat for us to participate in this way and fulfill our dream of having all of us become bilingual in the process of doing what we love to do.