Brad called me a couple of months ago to ask, “Stephanie, how many people can we bring to the MREF Vision Trip? We have a large group that wants to come.”

I said, “Just say yes to everyone, and we’ll figure it out.”

A couple of weeks later, he called again: “Stephanie, we have 19 people coming.”

I almost fell off my chair.

I’ve got to confess, I was a bit nervous. Coordinating 19 international volunteers, 5 locals, and 18 girls was no joke... but we did it! And my heart is so full of gratitude.

This group was so hands-on. They were proactive, jumped into work nonstop, played with the girls with infinite patience, and got things done really quick. I blinked and things were already done. 

We spent the first day at a petting zoo, where the canopy was the most fun. We also did crafts and worked on some home improvements at the orphanage.

On Day 2, we went to see construction of the new orphanage, which is still in the works. we took the girls to a football court to play games and sports. In the afternoon, we did even more crafts, and the girls had a flamenco class that we all loved! Then my amazing friend Naty, the flamenco bailaora delighted us with a private performance. 

On Day 3, we took the girls to the beach—but first, we stopped in Tárcoles for some crocodile sightings. The beach was pure fun: pool time and surfing tiny waves. For some of the girls, it was the very first time they had ever seen the ocean.

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine, when we first started working at the home, that I would one day have 19 international volunteers arriving with bags full of donations, with the best attitudes, enthusiasm, and most importantly with hearts full of love to give so generously to my girls.

I can’t finish this blog without thanking each one of you:

Brad: our 4th Vision Trip together! Thank you for everything you do, especially for being such a loud advocate for the cause.

Gabi: my crafts manager. I never want to do this without you again. You’re like the mom of the group. I always felt that if you were there, the girls would be behaving and having fun.

Michael: you know how much it means to the girls that you keep coming back every year, they know they have in you an adult that keeps showing up, and that means the world to them. Your generosity is beyond words.

Paula: my Latina friend who helped me nonstop all weekend. Not only translating, but keeping everyone organized. What a great person to have in my corner!

Chris: thank you for your humor, your incredible attitude, and for always having a smile even when I know you were exhausted. ¡Que viva el chino!

Dave and Patti: my snack managers. After being scammed by the girls on Day 1, you perfected your technique and became Snack Managers Premium. Thank you for all your help, the heavy lifting, and so much more.

Jamie and Lexy — your infinite love and attention were exactly what the girls needed this weekend, and they received it nonstop from you. You both have hearts of gold.

Tom and Jamie: I honestly don’t know how you did all this while taking care of a baby girl. You, my friends, are champs. You kept going and set an incredible example for your daughters. Thank you for your generosity in bringing a whole tribe.

Heather: dang it! I should’ve named you the Manager of Fun! What a great sport you are. Thank you for your incredible energy and those amazing smiles all weekend.

Marcow Blancow: you would’ve been Heather’s Assistant Manager of Fun… so, Co-Manager of Fun! Thank you for keeping all the dudes focused on the home improvements.

Becky and David: your willingness to jump in and help is something I will forever appreciate.

Gina: thank you for organizing your coworkers to bring so many donations, carrying them through two airports, and still having the best attitude all weekend.

Erick: my friend, I knew this was going to be fun the moment I saw your name on the list. Your hilarious stories, humor, and energy kept us going all three days.

Jill: there are people you meet and instantly feel like you’ve known them forever. That was you for the girls and for me. I know you’ll be back, and I’ll be seeing a lot of you soon.

Sarah and Maddie: you both were so worried about making it fun for the girls. That really shows how much you care, and that is the kind of volunteer that we need on this trips!

Bibi: my amazing friend who donated all the Saturday crafts, along with her infinite love and patience. You are everyone's favorite teacher.

Naty: thank you for making 18 girls and 24 adults fall in love with flamenco. Thank you for being generous enough to share your talent. I am so honored.

MREF: for making all of this even possible. For bringing the most amazing people together to help and really make a difference. 

My brother Luis, who helped us secure the donation for the beach club tickets, and my brother Tony, who was the girls’ surfing teacher... thank you both for supporting me and this cause for the past 21 years. I love you both so much!

And finally, to my amazing and generous boss, who has supported every Vision Trip and all the time and energy this work takes from me... thank you. We’re all in this together.

Now I have a little homework for you.

One of my girls is about to age out of the home. We have found a loving family willing to adopt her, but there is one last requirement from the government before they can say yes: we need to build a room for her in her new home.

This is where you come in. Your donation, will help make this adoption possible. 

Please consider donating using the link below. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for helping us turn hope into a home. ❤️

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-a-loving-home-for-this-amazing-girl 

And finally thank you all for being part of this amazing activity. We've come a long way thanks to you!