Murals and Stoves

The past few weeks have been a little of here and there, working and starting various projects. After installing the filter at LAVOSI School, we have cleared out a space for a garden that will be planted there. The students are now on a holiday break until the very beginning of January, but before they left they were able to do a mural on the walls around where the garden will be. We told them to be as creative as they wanted and to paint whatever they could think of. It was a great time, and we were surprised when three boys painted Mario, Luigi, and a zombie. We are not sure quite yet what will be planted in the garden, since we have some time until they come back to school. They will be learning in class about agriculture and nutrition to go along with the garden, and it will be good for many students who have vegetables growing at home.

 

We have also identified a family to start the first aquaponic garden for, and this week will be looking at the land and buying materials. This family also received a stove, which is a type of stove that uses 40% less wood than cooking over an open fire and is better for the family’s health because it sends the smoke through a chimney.





Today I spent the day visiting our families in Xenacoj, and meeting with the family of the two boys who are being sponsored to go to school. Education is incredibly important, and is the key to a better life for these boys, Oscar and Luis. Even though all students are on break until January, there are still inscription costs and money needed for materials and uniforms once they are enrolled in school.

Please continue to pray that the Lord directs the steps of smallchange4bigchange, and that through these projects we can be a light and witness!

LAVOSI Water Filter

We have had the privilege of starting projects with a Deaf school in Jocotenango, called LAVOSI, Las Voces del Silencio (voices of the silent). It has around 19 students of varying ages, and has an incredible staff of workers who all know sign language and have a genuine love for the students. We were introduced to the school a couple weeks back, and that is where the first Sawyer water filter has been installed. Last Friday, we went with Dick Rutgers to set it up and for him to explain how the filter is to be used and how it will be most beneficial. The other filter they had been using was questionable, and they were not sure if it was even still working. Catonsville United Methodist Church had raised money for Vacation Bible School over the summer for filters, and this is just the beginning! God was amazing in providing the money to be able to have projects like these.

The Sawyer filter (http://www.sawyer.com/tech-water.html) is a type that can either be in-line or can be filtered through a bucket. It is tiny and lightweight, but extremely powerful. They can go for a decade without being replaced, they only need to be flushed (cleaned) ever week or so.

Right away, Alvaro, the Director of LAVOSI, and Melvyn, a part-time audiologist, were able to taste the water. They were very thankful, and said to pass along their thanks to those who sponsored the filter!

 

 

 

 

First Child Sponsorship

Smallchange4bigchange is very excited to announce that the first child in the program has been sponsored. His name is Oscar and he is 10 years old. Oscar is the middle child in a family of three. He has an older brother (12) named Luis, and a younger sister (2) named Angelica. His Father’s name is Jose and his Mother’s name is Maria. Jose had an injection that caused him to lose his sight 12 years ago. Therefore, it is more difficult for him to find work. He has been working in a bakery but has now been told that the bakery might be closing. In speaking many times with this family, both parents expressed a concern for their children’s education and understanding the importance of their studies, but possibly not being able to send them due to lack of funds in the family. Jose does not talk about wanting to gain his sight back, he only wants his family to be taken care of and his children to go to school. This family is a very special family, and God has big plans for them. (Photo below)

It costs $30 per month to keep him in school, and we will be checking on the family and the school (teachers and principal) at least once per month. This money is in the name of a woman in our church who has retired from many years of service to children, both inside the church and out. People will be donating the money on her behalf. God is so good!

For more information about this student sponsorship or to sponsor a child to go to school, visit www.smallchange4bigchange.org.