By Heather Radu –

Take a moment to stop and remember what it was like to get ready for a new school year.

The new shoes, new clothes, maybe a new backpack or even pee-chee folders. It was all so exciting — like a new adventure was about to start.

I want to give you an update on Nayeli. As you may know, Nayeli is on a student visa to the United States. She’s the oldest child in the home and has grown into a woman of God with a heart that is tender and kind. Her passion for learning is real, and because of that she’s now able to study in the United States. Please join me in praising God for this young woman. I’ve known her since she was 3. To watch her grow and thrive is a testament to the work we are doing at Dorie’s Promise Guatemala.

I also want to tell you about Brayan.

We have had Brayan in our care since 2009. When he was young, he was a fiery little guy — nearly impossible to control. Some of it was due to his independent spirit … some because of a slight learning disability.

Over the years, we have worked diligently with Brayan to help him achieve and overcome. One of the ways we have been able to do that is getting him into a special technical school. It has allowed him to explore and develop different skills that will help him in the work place as he matures.
His favorite class at school is music, and he is learning to play guitar. He also enjoys the cooking and computer classes. Alej says, “Every morning he is ready to go to school with a big smile — and the only reason for that is because he enjoys every day and is making good friends there.”

This is what it means to see a life Forever Changed!

But Nayeli and Brayan are not the only children doing well.

As we look ahead, I want to ask you to help us continue to make sure our children get the best education possible. This is the key to building a better life, to breaking the cycle of poverty. I truly believe that the children who rise up from Dorie’s Promise will be leaders in this country someday — that they will speak truth to the problems that created the scenario in which they were left alone as children.

Please stand with me and consider a special gift to help them go to the schools that will best help them learn and mature.

The average cost of sending a child to a private school in Guatemala is $1,700 per year. That’s just about $142 a month — which covers tuition, books, uniforms, after-school activities, tutoring, supplies, and transportation.

I would like to invite you to help us give our children an exceptional educational experience through your kind giving. I don’t know what you could give. My role is to ask for the children, so I’m asking. Maybe you could give a gift of $1,000 or $500. Maybe that’s too much. Maybe you are better able to give a gift of $50 or $100. Give today.

I want you to know everything you do for our children helps and makes a real difference! Thank you!