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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…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…