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Born into a large, economically challenged family with an abusive
father, Goya’s circumstances paint an unfortunately representative
portrait of Guatemalan family life. But that is not who she really is.
Goya is a bright young mind, a generous heart and is almost painfully
shy. Though already 13 years old and through no fault of her own, she
has not yet completed even the third grade. But she will! Goya
participates in our scholastic program in which children of advanced age
can complete two grades in one school year. She is currently working on
second and third grade curriculum and maintains excellent grades in all
subjects.
This accelerated program is a hope builder for our older children whose
foreseeable future consists of elementary school until they are almost
of legal age. With intelligence, a good dose of ambition and hours of
hard work, this time can be cut in half – catapulting them into the
grade level in which they truly belong. While the program provides basic
education, when you take a deeper look it provides so much more. Self
esteem is built when a child can believe in their ability to overcome.
Hope grows as they take hold of the opportunity and the responsibility
of moving forward at an accelerated rate. God’s promises are fulfilled
in their own lives and, as a result, their personal relationship with
God increases.
As important as a scholastic education is to our children, their beliefs
and their character are what will actually make the difference in their
lives. Without a strong belief in self, a rooted belief in God and faith
for the future, even a University degree may not lead to success and
happiness. These are the tools that our children must learn while they
are young, while they are here with us to minister to them and are
surrounded by young adult survivors who have faced the same
circumstances and are a testament to God’s faithfulness and grace.
Goya is right where God would have her – in the palm of His hand, being
molded and formed for His purposes.
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