Help Manuel Monsante travel back to his birthplace

Hi, I’m Regina—I’m humbled to say that I have created a life and career around my passion for travel. I recognize what an incredible privilege it is to have had the “right” opportunities, “right” passport the “right” to go just about anywhere as an American citizen. But travel is a luxury many people do not have — often for reasons beyond their control. Like my dear friend from high school, Manuel. Manuel’s life, too, has been sculpted by travel, albeit in a very different way. He came to the US from Peru as a child and because of his illegal status, he has not had the chance to venture beyond US borders. Until now. Last week Manny became a US permanent resident. Now, for the first time in his life, he is among the lucky people of the planet who can flick through google flights and go anywhere he likes. I’m creating this account for Manuel and his family who have waited so long for this day. There are so many ways to help people, so many ways to donate to people in need. This isn’t a life or death situation but it is an opportunity to celebrate a happy occasion for someone who is beyond deserving when it comes to seeing and experiencing the world—a world which he has contributed to making all the better by being in it. May the world be as wonderful as you have always hoped and dreamed it would be. And may home—be it Texas or Peru—feel all the warmer. Bon voyage, Manny and fam!

Here are a few words from Manuel:

“I arrived to the US as a child excited and hopeful for the wonderful opportunities this new life would bring… I’m so thankful to my parents for making this sacrifice for us.

But the process of becoming a legal citizen has taken so much longer than any of us expected. I felt the heartbreak of realizing my limitations as a young man and I had to grow up to learn that this problem was not gonna be magically solved. I had to put aside blame and go and find my happiness and peace elsewhere.

It’s definitely an amazing feeling and a humbling experience to wait and hope for this day to come. How do I put into words the joy of knowing I can travel anywhere now.

I see it in the happiness of Ranger fans to finally see this team win. I too felt the winds of change in my own way last week.

The last few decades have been hard and the climb to reach this place in my life has come with many disappointing realities that left me to wait for so long for a resolution, that in my situation would only be available by the sponsorship of a spouse. It took me years to find true love and happiness in a relationship that I could trust and grow old with. Now, thanks to this legal process I can finally plan as oppose to just dream about a return trip to Lima, a visit to Europe, or a voyage to Japan.“