The "self-elected American ambassador" continued to journey south to Guatemala where in 1995 Krause connected with the Quetzal Trekkers, a nonprofit organization that would become his project. He recalled seeing a flyer for the Trekkers that simply read, "Hike volcanoes and help street kids." He was hooked.

Quetzal Trekkers is a group of volunteers who act as guides and lead up to 2,000 tourists a year on three-day Guatemalan journeys, introducing them to the country, its people and culture.

Tourists are asked to pay a minimal donation usually around $140 for the all-inclusive trip. Sixty-five to 70 percent of that money is given directly to social projects in local communities.

In 1995 the group raised enough money to build a privately financed school in the poorest district in the Guatemala's second largest city open to the public. The school immediately filled to its 40-student capacity. It has since grown to a 12-room complex offering classes to 220 students.

In addition to the school, Quetzal Trekkers opened a medical clinic, Primeros Pasos, or "First Steps," seven years ago, which provides free medical checkups for around 4,000 city kids.

The Trekkers also were able to open an orphanage to provide Guatemalan street kids a safe place to stay, sleep and eat.

The orphanage now supports 20 children children who needed to stay in the Trekkers' care full time.

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