News from GRACES
Follow us to stay updated about the school, students and families we serve in Guatemala.
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Remote Control Cars for Christmas!
Last week, I went to the toy store with a young boy that I’ve known for a long time. It was his birthday in November so I told him he could pick out two gifts: one for his birthday and one for Christmas. I won’t lie, it felt amazing to be able to offer this young boy something that he never gets to do. When I was a child, I…
Escuela Integrada partners with Catholic parishes to expand ecumenical mission
This February, Escuela Integrada will welcome its first Catholic mission team from St. Mary’s and St. Rose of Lima, two parishes in northern New Mexico. The relationship between the Catholic parishes and the school began in the fall of 2017, when Father Josh Mayer, pastor of St. Mary’s and St. Rose of Lima, and Father Daniel Ciucci, parochial vicar of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Longmont, Colorado, discerned…
Small Gifts Big Blessings
We’ve all got that one person on our list this season who’s just impossible to shop for so why not give them a blessing? During the Supporter’s Gathering and planning meeting in Guatemala this year a couple visiting the school for the first time joined us.  During the planning meeting seasoned supporters and staff were struggling with how to promote and fundraise for the work we are all passionate about…
GRACES launches new film— ‘Day in the Life: Eli’s Story’
 Earlier this summer, GRACES’ film crew captured the everyday obstacles faced by students and families who attend Escuela Integrada. The short documentary features Eli (14), a 7th grade student at Escuela Integrada, and first premiered at the Quetzal Gala in September 2018. Two of Eli’s siblings, Gladis (16) and Evelyn (12), also attend Escuela Integrada. Gladis is in 8th grade and Evelyn is in 4th. Each day, Eli leaves…
Brick by brick: Lux Serech family breaks cycle of poverty through commitment to savings, education
Life was very different for the Lux Serech family 27 years ago. Newly married and expecting their first child, Joaquin Lux de la Cruz and Mirian Lux Serech had few resources. Joaquin worked as an assistant to a mason, and Mirian washed clothes by hand. When Joaquin and Mirian were children, they did not go to school. They worked to support their families. Joaquin was one of eight children. His…
New Honors Club created for students who excel in academics, want to give back
Middle school students at Escuela Integrada now have an opportunity to participate in an Honors Club. To be selected, the students must demonstrate a commitment to academic achievement by passing all of their classes and earning high grades. Additionally, the students in Honors Club will give back to their community through service projects, such as tutoring children in the early grades. “Sometimes the children don’t have the support of their…