“I finally got to meet my girls!”
Pat was able to visit all three girls, Ariana (18), Lesly (18) and Alison (15), last summer in Guatemala.
“I finally got to meet my girls!”
Pat Roos has been sponsoring with GRACES since 2018. We had a chance to catch up with her and learn about her experience as a sponsor over the last eight years.
GRACES: How did you first get connected with the Sponsorship Program?
Pat Roos: I first got connected with GRACES’ Sponsorship Program when the Women’s group at my church started to sponsor a child. Soon, I felt that I would like to sponsor a girl on my own so that I could more easily connect with her and get to know her.
GRACES: What do you enjoy about your role as a sponsor?
Pat: I try to keep in touch with each one and also share a bit about my life. I am immensely proud of them—as individuals working with difficult situations to study and move ahead. I receive photos and letters from each girl, which I really appreciate. I love the feeling of connection—so much more than just giving money to some organization for general use.
GRACES: Do you have any favorite memories you would be willing to share?
Pat: I had the opportunity last summer to go on a Vision Trip to Guatemala with my daughter and granddaughter. I finally got to meet my girls! We cried and laughed and shared stories. We met their families and visited their homes.
It was eye opening to realize our experiences are far removed from reality there. Our support means so much to them.
We went out for pizza with our girls and their families. How much fun that was getting to know each other (through a few language barriers) between bites of pizza!
GRACES: What do you want everyone to know about the Sponsorship Program?
Pat: You just have no idea what it feels like to so directly influence a child’s life. This is just one child, but you have changed their whole world, believe me.
They are getting a great education, nutritious meals each day, several other services, and learning English, which is extremely important to get a better job in Guatemala.
They know that someone far away is cheering them on and praying for them every day. That means everything to these kids.
GRACES Summer of Sponsorships ends on August 15. We still have 17 students who are not sponsored. Our Sponsorship Program allows us to provide education, nutrition, support and hope for all the students and teachers at Escuela Integrada.
Do you feel called to sponsor like Pat? Do you know of someone who would be a great sponsor? Help us connect new sponsors with GRACES before August 15 to receive a special Summer of Sponsorships sticker!
[button url=”https://wearegraces.org/sponsor” text=”Sponsor a student”]
- July 25-Aug. 1: 8th Grade Dual Language Vision Trip
- Aug. 8-15: Northview Bible Church Vision Trip
- Sponsor Update Meetings
- *Save the Dates* November 2-6: Supporters Gathering in Guatemala!