This weekend Lisa, Sheri and I and another 1500-1800 or so people made our way to Montellano, Clinica Ezell, to participate in the ABC Celebration. ABC stands for the ABC Program which is a child sponsorship program managed by HTI. Being able to live locally and be involved on the sidelines of a new community start-up and hearing the parents after 1-2 years of the children being in the program is extremely encouraging. The parents talk of how the children our changing physically, spiritually and educationally and how, which is very important, the children seem to have more concern for how they conduct themselves, remain clean, study in school etc. This program focus on spiritual growth by maintaining children in church and education by maintaining them in school. This is accomplished through a set of goals and responsibilities each child has and of course, some do better than others. The ABC Celebration is a day for everyone to come together, first to worship and thank God for his generous blessings and then to also celebrate the accomplishments of the children in the program.
This year we heard from a number of older ABC children who are now finishing high school and continuing to university or other careers. One is finishing studies in bookkeeping/accounting, another finished school as a dental hygienist and is looking to start dental school in 2008 and another is a teacher. We also know of another who is in medical school and another who is in a administrative role in the HTI organization.
Part of the celebration included entertainment by a clown team from one of the churches in Guatemala City and the other larger event was the presentation of awards to students who met their goals. The goals are driven by points and prizes are awarded to the children who reach 2 levels. The higher level received prizes such as beds or dressers while the lower level received clothing items. Here are some pictures below....
The clown picking on Juan Ordonez from Paxot II. Juan is one of the Guatemalan Board Members.
Parents enjoying the time as well. The man in the white shirt is Miguel, who came to us in clinic in Mactzul 5 over a year ago barely able to walk due to CHF; but now due to the wonderful donations of medicines, he is able to walk and come down to Montellano to enjoy the day!
For those who have been to Montellano, you know it is hot! Well, we could easily pick out those from the Quiche and Chichicastenango area as all of the children's hair was soaked with sweat - even when they were sitting in the shade!
These are the children from Paxot II who won prizes for meeting their goals. We are especially proud of Santos (in the blue shirt) who ended up with a 96 average in his grades at school! This is excellent in a culture who does not place much emphasis on the importance of grades. Our health promoter, Manuel's daughters won first prize and received a bed and a dresser.
Parents enjoying the time as well. The man in the white shirt is Miguel, who came to us in clinic in Mactzul 5 over a year ago barely able to walk due to CHF; but now due to the wonderful donations of medicines, he is able to walk and come down to Montellano to enjoy the day!
For those who have been to Montellano, you know it is hot! Well, we could easily pick out those from the Quiche and Chichicastenango area as all of the children's hair was soaked with sweat - even when they were sitting in the shade!
These are the children from Paxot II who won prizes for meeting their goals. We are especially proud of Santos (in the blue shirt) who ended up with a 96 average in his grades at school! This is excellent in a culture who does not place much emphasis on the importance of grades. Our health promoter, Manuel's daughters won first prize and received a bed and a dresser.These are the children from Xepocol who won prizes for having high points. All of the ones kneeling won first prize and the little boy in the yellow, Esteban, and the girl in the purple blouse, Sandra, also won medals for grade averages above 85%. For those who have lived in Xepocol or have visited, Esteban is the son of Juan Chan, Gaspar's uncle. Gaspar's sons also won second prizes.
These are the children who made 95% of above on their grades. 2 had 100% averages. The little girl in front with the light blouse and skirt is from Las Cuevas which is one of the poorest communities we work with and she had a 94% average.
These are the children with 85% to 95%. One of these is Sandra from Xepocol who in this past year lost her mother and her brother in 2 different car accidents.
These are the children with 80% to 85%.
These are some of the buses - Sheri counted more than 15 buses present!
The church from Mactzul V loading up the bus for the ride home. The brought 2 buses as they have the largest number of kids in the program - 65.
These are the children who made 95% of above on their grades. 2 had 100% averages. The little girl in front with the light blouse and skirt is from Las Cuevas which is one of the poorest communities we work with and she had a 94% average.
These are the children with 85% to 95%. One of these is Sandra from Xepocol who in this past year lost her mother and her brother in 2 different car accidents.
These are the children with 80% to 85%.
These are some of the buses - Sheri counted more than 15 buses present!
The church from Mactzul V loading up the bus for the ride home. The brought 2 buses as they have the largest number of kids in the program - 65.This was a great day and we are glad we had the opportunity to go and enjoy with everyone.
Have a great week and God bless!
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