Abby and Margie's Sponsor Visit

After months of anticipation for this afternoon’s sponsor child visit, we were thrilled for such a successful experience!  Upon our decision to travel to Antigua, Guatemala with Common Hope in January, Abby wanted to sponsor a child through the organization.  Common Hope partners with impoverished families in the area, providing opportunities for better lives.  Abby chose Katerin, a 12 year old in 6^th grade with 5 other siblings and a mother and father.  The father lost his job earlier this year so things have been difficult, and the possibility that Katerin would be pulled out of school is present mostly for economic reasons.  Abby chose gifts wisely for Katerin knowing she loved the color purple and drawing (art kit, drawing paper, hair accessories, and school supplies were some highlights) with a chance to share with Katerin and her family the importance of staying in school.  If the family decides to pull Katerin out (drop out rates increase dramatically after 6^th grade as Guatemalan students are only required to attend to this point) we will lose sponsorship of Katerin.  Only 32% of students in Guatemala finish ninth grade.

Her younger brother Jarol, turned 10 today, so we bought a birthday cake on the way to our visit.  Our visit began with hugs and a big surprise seeing Abby’s pictures and letters on the wall in the kitchen.  The family warmly welcomed us and we found out Katerin not only loves school but is very smart with Math being her favorite subject.  She has never failed a grade or test.  We brought the card game Uno and taught the kids how to play.  Their social worker Jorge also joined in with lots of laughter and fun all around.   After our birthday “fiesta”, we brought out a bag of staple food items (rice, corn, beans, noodles, salt, oil, laundry detergent, soap) that we purchased through Common Hope for the family.  The mother was so touched by this simple gesture on our part.  This food bag should support staples for at least a month.

Jorge, the social worker, visits the home at least once a quarter to follow up on how things are going.  Katerin comes to the Common Hope a couple times monthly to have access to support resources (psychologist, computer, library, youth groups, medical clinic).  Abby will continue to write letters and send pictures from today’s visit to Katerin with the hopes of a continued relationship.  After our visit, Jorge seemed encouraged that the family will decide to let her stay in school.  We pray that her father will soon find work and that the family economic situation will soon improve.  Her father seemed very loving and supportive in the lives of his wife and children.