Blog
The end of a decade, a return to Guatemala, and the meaning behind my new tattoo
The stove smoke pierced my lungs at first breath outside the airport, the air heavy with pollution and the struggle to survive on what little resources exist. I found my name on a sign, held by Sergio, and he walked me to the small car of his cousin. Sitting in that car as we pulled…
Read MoreHome visits provide new perspective for mother, son who won trip at Quetzal Gala
Elizabeth Cole and her son, Taylor Steele, came to Guatemala for the first time the week of November 5. Cole’s bid won the all-expenses paid trip at the Quetzal Gala earlier this year. She hails from Salisbury, North Carolina, and elected to bring her 29-year-old son to experience the trip with her. Together, they participated…
Read More‘Status of the School’ update shows higher achievement rates, stronger management of instruction
Video: On Wednesday, Nov. 8, Escuela Integrada celebrated graduations for first and sixth grade. After diplomas were awarded, first grade students released balloons into the sky, each one carrying a small piece of paper with their dreams and wishes for the future. On Tuesday, Nov. 7, Bradler Santos, principal, and Hernan Garcia, project director, presented…
Read MoreCelebrations, fellowship and future plans kick off annual Supporters Gathering in Antigua
The Quetzal Gala, Fiesta Guatemala, increased social media presence and new partnerships are just a few of the successes board members and supporters celebrated on the first day of the annual Supporters Gathering. Concurrently, a group of seven potential supporters visited Escuela Integrada to meet the teachers and staff as part of a vision trip.…
Read MoreOnetime school dropout returns, becomes leader of girls program Proyecto Capaz
It took Ana Gabriela Lara Morales 11 years to finish 7th grade. The oldest of six, Morales was often responsible for her siblings, and cleaned and cooked for her family. Her father was an alcoholic, and her mother worked various jobs. The whole family, plagued with poverty, lived in one room. With few resources, education…
Read MoreOprah Donates Shoes, Sunglasses for Quetzal Gala Auction
From The Salisbury Post: Oprah Winfrey has donated two items for auction at an upcoming gala next month in Salisbury. A pair of Nicholas Kirkwood pumps and a pair of Dita designer sunglasses will be up for grabs during the Quetzal Gala on Sept. 16 at the Country Club of Salisbury. This event raises money for the…
Read MoreEscuela Integrada family loses mother to illness, needs prayers and support
On Sunday, August 6, eleven volunteers accompanied an Escuela Integrada family on the long, slow, steady walk from the funeral of their mother to her burial site. Maria, 37 at the time of her death, leaves behind four girls—Maria Fernanda, 11, Evelyn, 9, Norma, 8, and Anita, 4. The three older girls are students at…
Read MoreNorthview team builds bathroom for Escuela Integrada family
This week, volunteers from Northview Bible Church built a bathroom, complete with a toilet and shower facilities, for an Escuela Integrada family. The family lives high on the hill in San Felipe and previously relied on a neighbor’s bathroom. “It’s an issue of dignity,” said Kendall Noller, a volunteer with Northview Bible Church. “They won’t…
Read MoreNorthview volunteers teach health workshops at Escuela Integrada
Fourteen volunteers from Northview Bible Church in Spokane, Washington, are helping the children of Escuela Integrada learn about health and fitness this week. The children rotate through small group stations with their grade-level classroom for an hour of instruction and fun with the volunteers. “I think it’s important to remember to move,” said Krystal Roach,…
Read MoreStorify: St. John’s Social Media Story, Group 2
Check out this collective story from St. John’s second mission team in Antigua.* The group used the hashtag #guatemala17 to tag their stories on social media. More stories can be found by searching #guatemala17 on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.** [View the story “St. John’s Lutheran Church high schoolers visit Escuela Integrada, Group 2” on Storify]…
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