This new year hasn’t been the easiest for Jorge, Brandon, and Carmen, however not all news is bad news.

Until recently, the road on which the family lives had been a dirt road.  This year, the municipality began the work of paving it.  They hire locals to do the majority of the construction work and Jorge has been a part of the crew for a couple of months now!  He oversees cutting concrete.  He has a couple of guys working with him and his responsibility is to make sure the lines are laid properly so they can cut as needed.  The project consists of not only paving the road but running proper drainage from all the houses as well as constructing sidewalks along the road.  He earns about Q80 a day (a little more than $10) and enjoys his work.  He works Monday through Saturday and some weeks Sunday as well.

Brandon has struggled in school this year.  He seems to be resistant to going and recently has been telling his dad and grandmother that he doesn’t feel good or is sick, although he wants to leave the house and play.  We are working closely with the school director to keep an eye on his attendance and keeping close contact with the family to make sure he is going to school despite his excuses.

Carmen’s foot seems to be getting better although sometimes her ankles swell up on days that she works.  She usually works 2-3 days a week making tortillas at a house near our ministry center.

Please continue to pray for this family’s advancement, Jorge’s complete healing from alcoholism, and motivation for Brandon to attend his school.