Supporter Spotlight: Anabella Wasserman

Anabella Wasserman is a board member with Friends of San Lucas and a long-time supporter of the Mission School. Read this Q&A to learn more about Anabella and why she supports the Education Program.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was born and raised in Guatemala City, Guatemala. I grew up in a family of 10 children with great parents and a wonderful family. I finished my High School degree in Guatemala and a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design at Landivar University in Guatemala City. A year later I came to the United States to continue my education at Western Kentucky University. I had a difficult experience being away from home but enjoyed the Fine Arts program. Three years later I continued to study Graphic Design at Academy of Art College in San Francisco, California where I did my practical training and met my husband Scott Wasserman. We married and moved to Kansas City to start our family. Within our first year we connected with CFCA (now Unbound) [which works in Guatemala] and met their founder Roberto Hentzen and FOSL’s co-founder Fr. Greg Schaffer. It was the beginning of a long journey of inspiration, service and commitment.

Can you share a specific story of the program’s impact that you know of?

As my husband and I starting to visit the Unbound projects around Guatemala we came across two Unbound social workers from San Lucas Tolimán in the region of Ocotepeque. We asked them if they have attended the Mission School and with big smiles they said yes.

We recalled the way that Fr. Greg used to end his masses for the school. He would say with a loud voice “Vayamos” and the kids would respond “En Paz” (Let’s go – in peace). As we left, Scott said “Vayamos,” and the men responded “En Paz”. This was the best memory we could have of the connection between the school, their spiritual formation by Fr. Greg and their service to Unbound.

Why do you care about the Education Program?

Education is the best way to eradicate poverty and a better future for the entire family. I see the children getting a wonderful opportunity to become educated in an environment in which they can develop their full potential. They come from families with limited resources that won’t be able to afford to send their kids to school. Parents make sacrifices to give their children the basic needs such as shelter, clothing and food but the opportunity for education will not be possible without scholarships, which the Mission School offers for all students. I love to see a kid coming to school with all his dignity, alertness, full of enthusiasm knowing that they have a bright future.

To join Anabella in supporting the Mission School, click here to make your year-end gift now.