Watching their talents grow
In July, our children and teens from the ISEA Program prepared a special surprise for a group of missionaries visiting us. It was an afternoon filled with music, art, and a lot of hard work.
When we think about education, we often picture children sitting in a classroom learning math, science, or language. But education can be so much more. It can help children discover what they enjoy, develop new skills, and find ways to express themselves. “Our children have shown that they’re not only able to learn math, science, and language. They’re able to go farther and farther,” said our director, Alejandra. “This presentation requires months and months of practice.”
Our children and teens spent months preparing for the show with the support of their teachers and staff. For some, finding the right instrument was part of the journey. For others, like Manuel, the experience helped them discover a new passion.
Sofía, our music teacher, has watched that growth firsthand. “Although it can be difficult because some of the children come and go from the home, I’ve always thought of music and art as a kind of escape for them,” she said. “They think, ‘This is fun. We’re going to have a good time.’ But we also want to make sure they learn the right foundations. They don’t just play an instrument. They learn to read and write music.”
Over the past three years, the teachers have seen the children grow in confidence. Some of the younger children are new to the program, and many begin very shy. Little by little, they become more comfortable, discover an interest in music, and learn that it can be a way to express themselves. The older teens started with the basics three years ago, beginning with the ukulele. Now, each one has chosen the instrument they enjoy most. Manuel’s progress has been especially remarkable. What took many students much longer, he learned in just two months. His interest in music has grown quickly, and opportunities like this concert have given him even more motivation.
The younger children played bells and ukuleles in fun performances of Lively Rhythm and Soda Pop. The children also performed Stomp, including songs like The Addams Family and Idol. Then came Manuel’s performance of Todo va a estar bien, a moving moment that brought tears to many eyes. The teens also performed Pompeii, combining several instruments and rhythms. Abraham, Ulises, and Mario joined the stomp performance, while Josué played piano and Manuel played guitar.
Music wasn’t the only way the children expressed themselves. Each child also created a painting on canvas, choosing something they liked and bringing their own ideas to life.
Sucely, our art teacher loves seeing where those ideas take them. When a child becomes interested in a particular technique, she works with them to research it and find the best way to learn. These opportunities give our children more than something fun to do. They give them space to discover what they’re good at, explore their interests, and build confidence in something that belongs to them.
That was clear to Esty, a sponsor and missionary who visited us. He has helped bring teams to Guatemala for the past 12 years and has watched many of our children grow up. “I feel like a proud dad,” Esty shared. “I’ve known these kids for almost 12 years, and to see them grow from little toddlers and little kids into young women and young men, playing instruments I didn’t even know they knew how to play, is amazing.” He especially noticed Mario, who has faced social challenges over the years. “To see him up there playing an instrument and playing it well was just a blessing to my heart,” Esty said. “But you see all of them. Manuel, Ulises, Abraham, and all of them. It’s amazing.” For Esty, the performance showed something bigger than what the children had learned. “To watch even the little kids who want to play, and to see how Dorie’s and Forever Changed have invested in them, not just taking care of them physically, but giving them a talent, pouring into that talent, helping them discover what they’re passionate about, and then letting them develop it, it’s just amazing.” By the end of the show, Esty was in tears.
For us, moments like this are a reminder of why these opportunities matter. Some of our children haven’t had the easiest start in life, but every day they show us how much they can learn, grow, and accomplish when someone believes in them. And that’s where you come in.
Your support gives our children opportunities to discover something they love and develop it. It gives them teachers who notice their interests, staff who encourage them, and a place where they can try something new without being afraid to fail. But your support does something else, too. It tells a child, “You matter. What you’re interested in matters. We believe there’s more in you.” Thank you for showing up for our children. Whether through sponsorship, visiting them in Guatemala, encouraging them, or simply continuing to support the work, you’re helping create opportunities they might never have had otherwise.
We’re grateful you’re part of their story.
