Selvin (Huehue Scholar)

Lucky (Huehue Scholar)

Lucky and her mother outside of their home. This picture was taken in June of this year. I surprised them and didn't let them know I was coming. Lucky's mother, who is the president of the Guatemalan equivalent of the Parent-Teacher Association, was in the principal's office talking to the secretary when she saw me sitting at the teacher's table. She was shocked to say the least and ran over and hugged me. I went to their home a few days after for pepian, which was so tasty. And those tamalitos...let's not talk about them because it make me wish I had some right now and I'm already feeling a lot of nostalgia. 

Antony (Huehue Scholar)

Antony, his grandmother, Dona Lila, and Antony's little sister outside of their home in San Lorenzo. Antony's mother, who has a severe mental disability, was too embarrassed to be in the picture. When I went over to talk to Antony and his grandmother about the beca that day in June, she was very thankful and kept saying how appreciative they were of the help. They gave me these huge tostadas with black beans, ketchup and mayonnaise. I hadn't had those in a long time. Antony was as quiet as when I left. Extremely shy and still not the best of maintaining eye contact. I think he was surprised and confused that I was back in Guatemala...in San Lorenzo...at his house. His mother recently became very sick and the school, where I worked at and Antony went to prior to graduating, collected money for her stay at a private hospital. I'm still waiting to hear how she is doing. 

A Year's Worth of Updates

I apologize for those who were following and looking for new information on the scholarship fund throughout this past year. The truth is the scholarship fund did not get a lot of outside support as I would have liked. However, the Huehue Scholars received money for tuition and supplies as promised every single month of this past school year. I had some wonderful donations from a few family members and friends which I am extremely grateful for. Six students received full or partial scholarships to be used towards their first year of high school. Todavia no ha pasado nada. We still have at least two more years to go. While it's been very challenging funding the scholarship program mainly by myself (on a non-profit salary), I believe in it. The children that were chosen to be awarded the scholarship have done their part. They have gone to school and worked hard.  I've received their grades throughout the year from the Peace Corps Volunteer who replaced me. The students have done well--just as they had during Basico (middle school). One year down...at least two more to go. I have some adjustments to make and have confidence that God will give me the wisdom, strength and confidence to make things happen. With the help of God, I'll continue to provide the necessary funds so that these six children can continue and complete their second year of high school.