Hugging the Future

The highlight of my third trip to Nicaragua came on Saturday afternoon.  Several years ago my husband and I decided to sponsor a student through the Tin Roof Foundation.  What a great decision that was!

On our first trip to Nica we were introduced to our student, Angela Mariela Guerero, a shy six-year old, nervously holding on to her young mothers hand.  She was hand-picked by Fabretto for her academic promise and lack of familial monetary support.  Through the years we have received translated letters, drawings and photographs as well as her report cards. We have sent her letters and an occasional gift.

A few years ago my husband got to see Angela when he was here for a short visits but I hadn't see her until today.

She was waiting for us at the end of a long trail to her house in San Isidro and I recognized her right away and this time she was smiling!

We hugged each other tightly and through an interpreter I was able to tell her how proud we are of her and her efforts at school.  I also got to introduce her to my grandson, Riley Groh, who had accompanied me on this special trip.  They are in the same grade and I introduced them as.....cousins?  She invited us to go to her house and of course we accepted.

It was quite a trek up the hill but we made it  although her mother wasn't ther, we did get to see the location of her house, the chickens, the lovely garden, and of course the dog.  I learned she has a 14-year old sister and a 17-year old brother.  There is no father in the home--he went away for work and didn't return.

I told Angela we pray for her everyday.  Then we hugged again and I said a silent prayer for her success not only at school, but in the world.

What an absolute joy to be able to hold someone in your arms who has so little worldly goods, and know that you are helping to create a future for her that may be brighter than what her parents have experienced. I have no idea what that  future might hold but I know that with our continued support and our specific prayers for her, that it will be better than it might have been.

Ann