This is by far one of the busiest times for not only the students in
the education program, but also for all students in Guatemala. They began
classes this week, and some within the next few weeks. It is the beginning of a
brand new school year, as our students in the US would begin in September. All
of the parents and children are racing to the bookstores to gather all of the
materials they will need. It is an exciting time for the students in the
smallchangeforbigchange program as there are various new students this 2014
year, (one is featured on the right) and our first two University students begin! 
Each school and class gives out a very specific list of what they are
to buy; as well as school uniforms and shoes. Many of the public schools do not
charge monthly tuition, but the cost of the supplies and books they will need
for the year is too much for them to even start. So many students do not study
for this reason. They simply don’t ever begin the year. Catonsville United Methodist
Church (my home church) has been collecting money and we have saved it for a
supply distribution for the beginning of this school year! We were able to buy each specific material for 8 students in the community of Santa Catarina Barahona. On Wednesday, we had a distribution to each student with their family present. It was a very special event-these families are so grateful and truly appreciate all of the gifts they are given! It is so important for me to tell them that it is not a gift from me; it is from people in the states who have been moved to help the people in the community in this way. And even more than that, God has not forgotten about them and their very basic needs. He knows what each family is going through, and does want to be a part of their lives to help them through.
There is one specific family that has touched my heart greatly, and is a reminder of how much poverty really does exist. The Father’s name is Rabanito, and he has four children. His wife left, and has not been present in the family’s life. But she is currently present with another child with Rabanito. He works as a carpenter and is one of the most hard-working men in the community. All that he does is for his kids. Last year, he was not able to provide the materials that the children would need to study. There is something called a “tablero”, which is a wooden piece to hold paper with for art and math classes (it is shown in the photos as the wooden object). So in order to give one to his daughter last year, he broke a piece of his bed, made of wood, to construct it. This story just hit so very hard; and as I said, was a reminder of how much people here struggle for the smallest of things.
Thank you to Catonsville United Methodist Church for your support, I cannot say that enough! I thank you for supporting me, as well as giving these students the opportunity to study this year!
