In Guatemala there is a common phrase, “primero Dios,” which translated means, “God willing.” People in Guatemala say these two words after any type of making plans. For example, in response to a simple “see you tomorrow,” you will often hear, “primero Dios.”
At first, I thought it was just part of the dialect, a cultural custom. But, the longer I live in Guatemala, the more I realize that when people here say, “God willing,” they truly mean it. They put everything into the hands of God. They depend on Him before and through all else.
As a nonprofit organization we have learned how to embrace, “primero Dios.” We rely on God to continue inspiring others to give, so that we can do the work we do in Guatemala. Our programs—delivering food bags, teaching school for underserved children, providing counseling sessions and psychological support, engaging in continuing education, visiting homes, providing medical care—all happen because of your financial support and faithful giving.
We all depend on God together and we all take action together—that is how God works to accomplish His mission through our organization! YOU play a very important role in this mission.
Thank you for joining us in the work of providing a holistic education in Guatemala for the children who need it most. With God, primero Dios, we will continue into the new year.
Affectionately,
Hannah Nadeau Girón
Executive Director of GRACES
GRACES served more than 166 students through Escuela Integrada and Ahava
14 out of 15
students graduated from junior high in 2022
1,668 food bags
distributed while the students learned from home
192 hours
of distance learning provided due to the COVID-19 pandemic
624 hours
of in-person learning
80%
Project Support
20%
GRACES administration costs
100%
of Escuela Integrada costs covered by GRACES
16%
of Ahava costs covered by GRACES
77 new donors
in 2022
Racing for GRACES
raised $8,729
Mid-Year Schoolhouse Campaign
raised $7,600
Year-End Campaign
raised $70,357.31
