My Trip to Guatemala

My Trip to Guatemala – April 25th, 2023

Jessica (sponsored child) and Tamara

Hi, my name is Tamara Osborne and I have been on the Board of Directors of Childcare International (CCI) since October of 2021 and am currently serving as Board Secretary. I have learned so much about the incredible work of CCI and have a high regard for the organization. Board members were invited to go on a trip to see first-hand the impact that is happening. So, on March 13^th, 4 of us boarded a plane bound for Guatemala, including Deb Staughton, CCI’s Office Manager. The trip was led by Jose Prem, ChildCare International’s Director.Everything was organized for us from accommodations, rental vehicle to meals and a very packed itinerary. We kept a very tight schedule with long days so we could maximize our time there. It was well worth it and so rewarding.

We visited 6 schools: 4 in the countryside – Horeb, Mi Especial Tesoro, Gerizim and El Mesias; and 2 in Guatemala City – Agua Viva and Kairos. Despite the crazy driving conditions in Guatemala, we made it safely to each town. Some of the schools were mostly attended by indigenous children, who spoke different languages and dressed in traditional clothing. We also noticed different challenges between the schools in the country vs. the city. Both encounter poverty but the challenges the families face are different. In the city there are issues of gang members, violence, extortion, abuse and neglect. There is also alcoholism and other types of addictions. In the countryside there is unemployment and lack of education and job opportunities. In both the city and the countryside, many are still recovering from the economical effects of Covid.

Each school had amazing partners that we would meet first to hear about the history of the school and how CCI has helped – 3 of the schools have been supported for the past 4 years, while 4 are brand new partners. The stories we heard were a real testimony of God’s miraculous provision. There also seemed to be a theme of legacy as many of the schools were started from nothing out of a heart of compassion for those with little or no hope. But with perseverance, courage, resilience and lots of prayer, the founders were able to fulfill their dreams. Many challenges came along the way, but they kept going and others took up the torch to keep the schools running.

Each school had their own unique stories. We were welcomed like royalty at each one – sometimes with whole school assemblies with speeches and performances. We also took part in vibrant worship and prayers. We were presented with posters, small gifts and lots of hugs. We visited many classrooms and received so much warmth and love both from the students and the staff. Deb and I also had the privilege of sharing devotionals or encouraging words at some of the schools either to students or a group of parents (translated by Jose). As I am an elementary school teacher myself, I had an opportunity to share and encourage the teachers at 2 schools. But honestly, we felt more blessed and encouraged by them.

For me, being quite new to CCI, I was able to see firsthand the impact of sponsorship. The highlight of my whole trip was meeting my new sponsored child, 9-year-old Jessica. Before she was sponsored and was able to attend school, Jessica would help her mom at the local dump to find things they could sell just to survive. Her father had health complications that prevented him from having a steady job. We visited the Chimaltenango dump which was heart-wrenching. We also had the honour of visiting Jessica in her home and meeting her family. Their living conditions were very inadequate, so donations made to CCI made it possible to build a small house for them, which we got to see. Even though it is very modest, they will now have a solid structure. The tears that fell as the mother gave a speech of gratitude made us all very emotional.

We also got to see other projects that CCI donors had funded such as laptops, playground equipment, sound systems, desks, basketball hoops, as well as building a few other homes. In addition, one school started an entrepreneurship program that CCI loans money to help families start a small business. The vision, dreams and goals some of these partners have for their schools for the future is inspiring. We even had the opportunity to see the construction of a couple of schools, again funded by CCI. The needs are still great but the hope and courage the staff and students demonstrate daily is incredible. They are so positive and grateful for what they have, even though it seems very little by our standards. Their faith in God is strong and it was amazing to see 5-year-olds reciting different scriptures by memory. God is truly being glorified in these schools as they are getting solid Biblical teaching. Their education goes far beyond reading, writing and math as they are learning life skills. The kids have been shown love and have a place of refuge.

This weeklong trip was a life-changing experience. The people of Guatemala are friendly and kind. The landscape is beautiful and varied and the culture is very interesting. I am so grateful to have made this trip and see the difference ChildCare International is making in this part of the world.

Store ran by by Mishel with her mom’s help, funded by
the Entrepreneurship program