Project Description

नमस्ते Namaste! Hi!

My entire life I have had a somewhat odd and indescribable connection to India. Maybe it's because the food and culture are appealing, but I know I am meant do work and service there. I have a love for India and the people. I'm at UVSC (Utah Valley State College) majoring in Behavioral Science, with an emphasis on Social Work. With a desire to serve in India, I was told about a volunteer program with Rising Star Outreach (RSO), to help me towards my educational goals. I have been accepted to the program and going to India in May with 13 other volunteers and friends with Rising Star Outreach ("RSO")to help build a school and a mobile medical unit! RSO helps leprosy affected families become strong and thriving. The children are given the opportunity to go to residential schools and are taught in a safe and healthy environment to read, write, learn hygiene skills, dance, sing and speak English while maintaining and respecting the country’s culture. Once a month the children get to visit their parents for the day, and they are happy to see that their children know how to read and write. They are overjoyed by the children’s learning experiences. I so badly want to be a part of that joy and have an impact on these children’s lives. I'm sure they will have a far greater impact on my life than I could ever have on theirs. Because I am committed to raising funds to help these families in India, please consider sponsoring us with a grant our humanitarian expedition.

My goal is to raise another $ 600 to help raise a little money for airfare, a mobile medical unit, a water treatment facility and a portion for the children's home that will house hundreds of children. (even 500 bucks would really really help!) Thank you for your love, friendship and support. I know that with friends like you, together we can make a difference. While in India, I'm planning on sending my online journal of my work there, and my experiences with the children and the parents who are leprosy affected. When I get back at the end of June, I'll be holding a family & friends gathering to show pictures and share my learning experiences! Please know this is no selfish desire. When I see there is a need, I want to fill it. I feel pure joy through service and it makes the people receiving it happy too. Isn’t that what makes the world a better place? You can learn more about Rising Star Outreach at www.risingstaroutreach.org If you would prefer to contribute online, you can find a secure credit card page where you can safely make secure online tax deductible donations:

 http://www.risingstaroutreach.org/volunteerpartners by April 12th.

 On the donation page, select a “one-time donation”, then enter the amount you wish to donate, then select "Volunteer Partners" from the Gift Designation drop-down menu. In the Comments Section, enter “for volunteer Elizabeth Shattuck”. Just complete the transaction with your information for your tax deductible donation. That's it!

Thank you for your support of this life-changing experience! One of the core values of the organization is that sacrifice brings great blessings. They have asked me to include my friends and family in my service, with the idea that if I pay for all my program costs by myself, I reap all the blessings by myself. Instead, they've suggested that I share my experience and my rewards with the people I care about most. I would be honored, therefore, if you would share in my service. I will be leaving for India on May 27th. I have been asked to have the funds into Rising Star by April 18th or soon after. I hope you’ll be able to join me as a partner in this adventure! Thanks for all the support and encouragement you give me, and thanks from the kids of Rising Star Outreach! WE ARE PROUD TO DO SOMETHING!!! Please help us! We'd be so grateful!

Sincerely, Elizabeth Shattuck