September, 2004

Greetings from Lapasse,

Richard and I just want to touch base with each you before we head out on our fifth trip to Guatemala. We are both excited and anxious about the new preschool program we are about to set up in the Guatemala City Dump. We continue to believe that the only way this world is ever going to change, is by teaching children to love themselves and care about others from the earliest possible years. They need to learn to think, and to problem-solve, and to create, so that they can bring their generation into a whole new way of being in this world..a way of freedom..a way of peace...and a way of love.

We embark on our latest journey on October 27th. The new school year in Guatemala starts in January, so we don't have much time to get these programs up and running.

To date we have purchased numerous school supplies for the program that will be brought down by Canadian volunteers in fifteen suitcases. Businesses have been generous to donate much needed power tools and supplies for our work.

In the middle of November, a Team of Service will be coming down to build furniture for the preschool. Our team consists of a total of ten men and women from the Ottawa Valley and additional builders from the States. Also, we are currently in the process of putting together a Team of Service for February 2005. If you are interested in joining us, you may contact us at onenessca2003@yahoo.ca by the beginning of October 2004.

Many exciting things are happening as people step forward to participate in this mission.

As many of you are aware, we have started an organization called "Oneness Through Service". Angie MacDonald of e-magination design ltd. has set up an incredible website for us. We invite you to visit it at www.oneness.ca .

Irene Boucher, from Ottawa, has spent much time designing a simple and attractive gift enclosure card for our "Wrap Your Christmas Gift in Love" fundraising campaign. Rose Anne Boucher, from Round Lake, has taken charge of the distribution of dolls for this project (you can learn more about on our website). Rose Anne is looking for some enthusiastic people who would be willing to help market this idea. It is not just a fund-raiser! It also promotes the use of recyclable materials, while asking gift-givers to focus on the needs of the poor children of Guatemala this Christmas. If you feel you are able to assist her in any small way, you may call her at 613-757-0840.

Charles Langlais, from Deep River, has organized a committee to put together a benefit concert to raise funds for our work in Guatemala. This will be taking place at Festival Hall, in Pembroke, on Friday evening, October 1st at 7:30 p.m. The cost of the tickets will be $10.00 (adults) and $7.00 (students). Please mark this on your calendar.

Reserved seats may be purchased at Festival Hall. You may order by phone at 735-2182.

So many individuals are sharing their gifts and their time with us to make the lives of these special children better. The financial support for this project grows daily. We are so grateful, on behalf of the poor of Guatemala, for your ongoing support - be it spiritual, physical or financial. Every person contributes in his/her own way, and no way is valued or appreciated more than the other.

We encourage you to come out to this benefit concert for the sake of these children!

With Much Gratitude and Love,

Susan and Richard Schmaltz
"Oneness Through Service"