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Guatemala
Amalia holds the diploma from her recent sixth-grade graduation and a paper with her grades, all of which were in the high nineties.
When mission co-worker Ellen Dozier went to Guatemala in 1996, she was impressed by the hunger of people to learn. She writes about Amalia, a woman who helped Ellen weekly for a number of years with cleaning, washing clothes, sometimes cooking, and always being a friend. In 2007, Amalia fulfilled one of her dreams — to graduate from the sixth grade! Amalia credits her grandchildren with helping her achieve her goal. When she was discouraged, one of the grandchildren would offer help with a math problem or words of encouragement, “¡Sí se puede!” (Yes, you can do this!)
Debbie, Amalia’s 13-year-old granddaughter, finished her first year of básico (comparable to junior high school) in 2007. She wanted to continue with her studies but there wasn’t enough money to send Debbie and her two brothers to school. So, as is traditional, the brothers were chosen to continue their studies.
At first Debbie accepted her fate, but somewhere inside there was a strong desire to continue her studies. She went to her neighbors and to her church community and asked for help. Even though her neighbors and church members are also very poor, one gave her ten quetzales (about $1.20), others gave pens and pencils, another gave her several notebooks. Her school helped with a small scholarship. Now Debbie is back in school, but her struggle continues. On Valentine’s Day Debbie didn’t go to school because she had no money for a present. Despite the hardships, Ellen thinks Debbie will graduate one day, just like her grandmother, Amalia.
PC(USA) People in Mission
Evangelical Center for Pastoral Studies in Central America (CEDEPCA): The Rev. Dr. Karla Koll, professor of history, mission and religions
Latin American Biblical University (UBL), Aura Smith, team ministry, Dennis Smith, coordinator, publications and communications training
Marcia Towers, YAV site coordinator and partnership facilitator
National Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Guatemala (IENPG): Gloria Marriott, education consultant, Walton Program, Roger Marriott, education consultant
Young Adult Volunteers, community development interns, IENPG/CEDEPCA: Jane Atkinson, Anna Hill, Hanna Kim, Celeste Mason, Allie Naskret, and Callie Vandeweile
PC(USA) General Assembly Staff
Christy Riggs, GAMC
Antissa Riley, GAMC
Precious Savior, thank you for the witness of Amalie and Debbie. Rekindle in us the hunger for things that give life to us and to others. In your name. Amen.
Ps. 116, 147:12–20 Ps. 26, 130
2 Kings 18:28–37
1 Cor. 9:1–15; Matt. 7:22–29
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