News from GRACES
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Guest post: Reflecting on my internship experience with Escuela Integrada
I am currently sitting at my gate at La Aurora Airport in Guatemala City, watching the sunrise, and feeling oh so incredibly blessed. I could not have asked for a better time here. I learned so much about this place, the culture, the people and myself. I felt so many things I either never felt before or have not felt in a really long time. I feel different coming home….
Help us ‘Double the Love’ before the end of July
Did you know that the kids at Escuela Integrada are in school in June and July? Their academic year runs from January to October, with graduation following in November. Unfortunately, donations are not as strong during the summer months, and the students of Escuela Integrada need your support. “After learning about what the school is providing for the children, I just had to help,” said Nancy Shirley, who first became involved…
Get to know the interns, Juliana Anderson and Piper Mik
This summer, Juliana Anderson and Piper Mik are serving as interns at Escuela Integrada. The young women are helping with English language instruction, technology and general needs at the school, including refurbishing the library. We sat down with them to find out about their experience. Juliana Anderson, 18 Hometown: Salisbury, North Carolina School: University of North Carolina, expected graduation 2021 Major: Biology with a minor in Chemistry How did you…
FUMC celebrates friendship through VBS, teacher appreciation day
The family mission team from First United Methodist Church (FUMC) celebrated the theme of friendship during this summer’s Vacation Bible School and teacher appreciation day. The FUMC team led students, families and teachers in activities that illustrated friendship with one another and friendship with God. “We are all connected,” said Kelly Junk, trip leader and Director of Global Outreach at FUMC. “We all need each other.” Earlier this spring,…
IMR medical team provides exams, medicine, health education for 199 patients
On Monday, June 25, International Medical Relief (IMR) brought a team of 30 doctors and nurses to Escuela Integrada to provide wellness checks, health education and comprehensive exams for those with presenting ailments. The doctors included a physical therapist, ophthalmologist, gynecologist, foot specialist and pediatrician among other specializations. IMR provided the clinics to Escuela Integrada students and families at no cost. “When the children from our school are sick,…
Continued involvement in Escuela Integrada strengthens marriage, family life for Olsons
Mike and Jaime Olson credit their involvement in Escuela Integrada with bringing them back together as a couple and as a family. Mike first visited the school in 2014 with a Lifeonaire team from Wisconsin. The following year, the whole family came to see the school, and their relationship with the school continues to grow. “Jaime and I were not ‘equally yoked’ in our marriage the first time I came…