Graduation 2015

These are the two students who graduated from Basico, what is the equivalent of Middle School and are continuing their education in Diversificado, High School. It is very exciting and I am so proud of the hard work. This is all thanks to Catonsville United Methodist Church, whose support of these students in the two and three years they have had sponsorships have made this possible! You all should be proud as well!

 Samuel, sponsored by Tim and Linda Pyle and the CUMC evening service.

Melisa, sponsored by the CUMC bible study group.

They will both be registering in High Schools in Antigua, and I am certain God has plans for the next for years of these students. Pray that they will continue in their education but also continue to know who the Lord is in their lives.

New Teachers, New Classes

It is a privilege to have Ana and Jesica as the new teachers at Steps of Hope! Ana has added a new tutoring class. Jesica as also added a tutoring class and weekend English classes for those who cannot study during the weekday. She has also been added full-time to help in the office, and is starting her own side program called Without Borders to work with the elderly in the community. I feel very blessed that God has provided these two women to be part of the project! 

 

Ana with her new students.

 

 

 

Nancy, one of the students whose education is solely coming from the project, as she is not studying in public school. 

 

Jesica preparing for her English classes. She planned her own curriculum!

 

 

SOH Library Center

Welcome to the Steps of Hope Library Center! The students have a chance to come for free play and use the center to spend time with their friends and family members. 

 

 

 

First Weeks of Classes

Enjoy the photos of the first 3 weeks of classes! There are English classes from students ranging from 8-9, 10-13, and youth. There is also the tutoring program for the students who are ages 4-10. Many of them (those little ones from the tutoring classes) are not in school, and are simply learning the basics-letters and numbers. Some of their parents simply aren't sending them to school.  These students have grabbed my heart and I thank God for this opportunity to be working with these beautiful children.

 

 The tree being painted is for the library room that is in progress, a room for free learning time with books, games, puzzles, and toys.

 

The English class ages 8-9. 

 

A few of the English students ages 10-13.

 

The older English students doing groupwork.

 Tutoring with the little ones!

 

 Enjoying some free time.

Registration

The Steps of Hope project has finally begun registering students! The more the community finds out about
the project, the more they stop by for information. I am collecting student information and school schedules to put together my own schedule for the students. I am now advertising for English classes, but have come across some children that could benefit from Spanish and Math tutoring...some students who are older and are just now learning to read and write. I fall in love with the community more and more each time I am there, and with the people. Guatemala has such beautiful people. The house has now been painted, thanks to the owner and his family, and looks fresh. 

I wanted to thank the CUMC Vacation Bible School program for this year for choosing Steps of Hope as one of their projects! They raised money each day of the week. I am so grateful. Thank you! 

Steps of Hope Education Center...Work in Progress!

I am very encouraged and believe that God's hand is leading the Steps of Hope Center. I just wanted to give an update and show some photos of the almost rented space in Santa Maria. It is a beautiful house that has a large hallway space in the middle as well as 3 rooms on the side. Upstairs is another room, bathroom and patio. I am in the process of figuring out how I am going to use the spaces. That will come in time! I also was able to purchase 38 desks for students...at only $4 each! God provides. 

This week or next the contract on the house will be signed and the family currently living there is finding another place to live. Lord willing, within the next few months I can start to make schedules for classes and have students register with their families. I thank all of you for your support in all ways and for being a part of this educuation center along with me!

Now Back Home in Guatemala

It didn't have much of a chance to write while I was home, but also spent a lot of time enjoying being with my

family! As I mentioned before, my Mom had serious hip surgery and up until the last month was not even able to leave the house without help, as my house has two stairs. It was so great to be home with her, I admire her patience and courage. I know it is not easy and it has cost her a lot of energy to continue on each day and stay positive. I cannot imagine being in her shoes. Again it was great to be home with her as well as meet my new nephew, Henry. He is absolutely beautiful and feels like one of the family even at a month and a half! The only word I can think of is blessed. How blessed I am to be part of my family.

Now back to work! These past few days in being back home in Guatemala I have been visiting with my students and schools, and have begun looking for a project space to rent in Santa Maria de Jesus. I feel so alive with this new Education Center and am certain that God's hand is working in it already. Once I have found the space, I am preparing to set up the classroom and have a week registration week where I can meet the families and students and give them schedules for English classes and Math and Spanish classes. Education is very important, I believe with my whole heart that through education, these children and teenager´s lives can be changed. I pray that they have their eyes opened to the world and see that their future can be all that they hope it will be. Please pray with me and I will give you the udpate as soon as I have chosen a space and begin renting. Thank you all for your support and encouragement always.