New Beginnings for the New Year

It has been almost a month since the last time I updated; I do apologize for the delay! It has been a whirlwind of a time with the transition to the new classroom and office space in Santa Catarina Barahona. The place is a huge blessing from God and has changed the dynamic of the project completely. I had a week of registration for English classes (between me and the other teacher who is from here, Emilsa) and there were about 80 students who are registered and separated into 10 different classes. We will be adding more classes in the near future. This generally will dwindle down as time goes on an as students are busy with school. On Monday of this week we begin with the official classes (we had workshops first) and the students are excited to learn! We have also begun with one of our sponsored students, Melissa, to tutor for a few hours per week. She takes time with some of the children who are struggling in their public school classes to help them along. We are thankful to have her on our team and be able to support the children in her community.

This is also the beginning of the school year for the children and teenagers in Santa Catarina; and we have raised enough funds to buy school supplies for about 50 students! This weekend and next week we will be having a school supply drive where 30 of the students and families will come to receive their supplies. We have another 20 but the lists were not handed out from the schools until late this week. We will be having another session next week. Thank you to all of you who have donated for these supplies, I promise that it will change the course of the school year for them!

As this exciting time continues, I pray God’s blessing on the project and the community. I see so much of His hand in it, as He makes things happen and puts everything into place. Please pray this along with me too.