Support Raising

Dear Friends:

I am writing with continued excitement and praise about my service here in Guatemala! As you know, I have been serving as the Reading Coordinator at the Christian Academy of Guatemala (CAG) for the past school year, thanks to the support you generously provided for me to do so. I can very sincerely tell you that your willingness to help me serve the children of missionaries working here in Guatemala has made a true difference in many lives, including my own.

Upon staring at CAG last August, I designed and implemented a literacy program for the elementary school. In doing so, I assessed all students’ reading needs and was able, with my two part-time staff members, to begin providing supplemental reading intervention services to struggling students. We were initially serving about fifteen students, three of whom were able to move out of the program by mid-year, but who were also quickly replaced by others demonstrating need. With the start of the second semester and the reading program well established, I was able to also begin providing English language services to students who were having difficulty acquiring their new language, and the program grew to serve more than twenty elementary students in all.

In addition to my work in the elementary school, I also team taught sixth grade English and developed and taught an English as a Foreign Language curriculum for secondary students. My most challenging position at CAG was serving as co-sponsor for the sophomore class and required weekly personal devotional time, as well as supervising special activities, such as High School Retreat, Servant Days, the Annual Sports Banquet, and Graduation.

All in all this past school year has handed me the biggest challenges I have ever undertaken, both personally and professionally, but I have all along felt completely blessed to be a part of it all, knowing I am where God would have me, serving others. I have had the opportunity to provide an important yet previously unavailable service to students in need, as well as help CAG continue to progress in order to serve more missionary families. I have never forgotten the fact that I wouldn’t be able to be here serving in these capacities if it wasn’t for the support of all of you. I have done my best to administer and allocate what you have provided in a way that brings glory to the Lord.

As I have daily seen how important my work is here, and do most sincerely believe it is part of God’s Will, I am planning to stay in Guatemala and take CAG’s Reading Program and English as a Foreign Language program into a second year. I am hopeful that you will continue on this journey with me! I have enjoyed sharing this experience with you through my monthly updates and will continue to do so, as well as make posts here on my new blog!

My life here in Guatemala continues to require a commitment from 25-50 people who are willing to provide $20-$40 per month for basic costs of housing, food, and insurance. I encourage you to pray about making such a contribution. If a monthly commitment is not possible, a one-time special gift is equally appreciated. Please visit my mission's website at www.cten.org to find out how you can continue to be a part of this service opportunity.

With blessings,

Sherry L. de Alvarez