Some of our Shining Stars

Anael (left) after a baptism in Rio Esteban

 Several years ago, John noted a young man that attended our church and remarked that he had potential- but had never had the chance to finish highschool.  We brought him to the attention of some visitors, and they have helped us scholarship Anael to finish highschool- he graduates next month!  He has worked off his scholarship at various times by helping at the hospital, helping at the farm, doing the church maintenance- all the time being a school leader and sharing teaching responsibilities at the church. He has a gift with young people, and can be found with little kids climbing him at all times.  He plans to work a year in the city and then apply to LPN school.

Xiomara (right) doing patient teaching

     Right after we arrived here 7 years ago, we hired a young lady from the community to work afternoons for us while she was attending morning highschool, to give her the funds to finish her education.  Xiomara has worked for John as his office assistant since she graduated, and we've had the joy of seeing her born again and married.  Last February she began LPN school on the weekends in the city, with plans to be our Labor and Delivery Nurse once she's done.  Other visitors who bonded to her have helped with a scholarship to make this possible.  She is continuing working most weeks with John while she is in school.

     3 years ago, Joni was a shaggy, scrawny rabbit, his head always cocked quizzically to one side. He held his reading material up to his nose to read, definitely not one to capture your attention. His grandparents were raising him, and the extended family lived in a grouping of mud huts. Joni learned to play guitar, was mentored and loved by our former Guatamalan pastor's family, and entered our lives. He has worked for us in his spare time since then, being mentored by our gardener, and has bonded to our family.  His work has given him an account from which to buy a pair of glasses, get haircuts and clothing, a friend donated a guitar for him, and we've seen him grow to be our church music leader. Last year, John became concerned that the public school was always on strike and made arrangements to scholarship Joni to a new bilingual school near him that we had some ties with. It meant he and his family had to agree for him to go back a year, to catch up on the English. They all agreed, and now, a year later, Joni converses with us in English, has begun to excel in his academics, and has led his school to victory in a biblical/musical/memory Olympics. He will graduate from 6th grade next month, and then work his vacation to earn money towards next year's school expenses. He spends time each weekend with us, especially now that  our grandson Benton is one of his best friends!  What a joy to see Joni blossom with lots of love and input!
     As we look at sustainability here, John and I are feeling its best to invest in the education of promising young leaders that live in the campo and that are likely to stay here. Next blog will focus on a few more up-and-coming young people that we have had our eyes on for a few years!

FOLLOWUP ON PAST BLOGS!  The twins, Adam and Eve, were in clinic this week and are slowly gaining weight. They sit unassisted, are beginning to crawl. They turned 1 on July 28!

Miguel Angel, excited about his first soccer ball, with Benton and mom

Miguel Angel, the newborn who almost died a year ago, celebrated his first birthday in the mountains 2 weeks ago.  Our team from Oregon was able to go up the mountain with us to bring a pinata and a picnic and soccer ball up to celebrate this miracle. God is good!