For Penny Rambacher (above right), education isn’t just an opportunity—it’s a lifeline. A retired flight attendant and the daughter of the late Noreen Rambacher, founder of the nonprofit Miracles in Action, Penny has dedicated her life to helping those in extreme poverty. Through Miracles in Action, Penny has supported countless projects in Guatemala, but her connection to Limitless Horizons Ixil in Chajul stands out as one of the most meaningful.
Her connection to LHI began with the organization’s library. “As a child, my mother took me to the library, and I was exposed to books and stories. My favorite teachers were the ones who read out loud to us,” Penny reminisces. “Books took me away from life’s hardships, and I knew they could do the same for these kids. When I heard about the library in Chajul and their story hours, I could put myself in the children’s shoes and see how important that could be in their lives.”
Over time, as Penny saw Limitless Horizons Ixil’s work firsthand, her support deepened and when Executive Director Katie Morrow shared that Limitless Horizons Ixil was planning on building their own school, Penny was 100% on board. Miracles in Action jumped into action to provide key funding for LHI’s middle school in 2022 and high school in 2024, ensuring students had access to safe, high-quality education.
“I’ve visited many schools over the years, and LHI’s facilities are incredible. The classrooms are filled with sunlight, there are gardens surrounding the campus, and the entire environment feels welcoming and inspiring. It’s clear that this was a great investment,” Penny explains.
Her background as a nutritionist added another layer to Penny’s support. She was particularly impressed by LHI’s commitment to offering students nutritious meals alongside their education. “The fact that the school offers a meal and a snack is critical,” Penny says. “I know how much better kids learn when they aren’t hungry. That meal is both an incentive to attend and a necessity. It’s teaching them the importance of good nutrition and creating healthier futures.”
For Penny, her work with Miracles in Action and her support for Limitless Horizons Ixil is also deeply personal. Having never married or had children, she considers the students in Guatemala her adopted family. “If I can help a couple thousand of kids in Guatemala access an education and nutrition … that’s my legacy,” she says with a smile. This sense of legacy is a recurring theme in Penny’s life and work. Inspired by her mother’s vision of “a legacy of learning,” Penny hopes to inspire others to create lasting change.
As Limitless Horizons Ixil celebrates its 20th anniversary, Penny’s contributions stand as a testament to what can be achieved through vision, dedication, and compassion. Her support has positively impacted the lives of countless children in Guatemala – many of them in Chajul – providing them with opportunities they might never have had. “Education and nutrition are the two greatest gifts you can give,” Penny says. “When I look at what Limitless Horizons Ixil has accomplished, I’m so proud to have been part of it. This is my legacy, and it’s a beautiful one.”
This giving season, support Limitless Horizons Ixil’s Legacy of Learning.