We haven’t had many updates about the Fuentes kids over the past 6 months because we have had difficulty connecting with them. Dincy stopped going to school once she had her baby and Jairo had some difficulties with attendance as well but whenever we called or stopped by, we weren’t able to talk to anyone. We had to stop paying for tuition for both of them as a result and waited to hear back. We did get a hold of Ilsa briefly over the holidays to give them a Christmas basket but it wasn’t until the end of February we heard from them.

Jairo wanted to continue school, but we weren’t going to just say “ok” and start paying again until we had an explanation. His attendance was poor last year and he wasn’t able to make up all of his work until the end of the year when they allowed him to do so. This year, there was an outstanding balance on his account that had to be paid before he could register for this year. The last we heard, Ilsa thought he was doing his work and the school said he wasn’t. We stopped paying tuition but the school allowed him to continue. Once the family paid the difference, we agreed to continue helping him but with greater accountability. He is in his last year of middle school which is a crucial grade for Guatemalans.

Dincy contacted us in March, 2 months after schools started and close to the end of the 1st bimester, when tests are given. She wanted to continue school and asked us if we would help. This was a difficult conversation for us as a team to figure out how we could best handle it. Yes, we want her to continue in school. No, we didn’t think that coming to us 6 months after breaking contact with us and 2 months into the school year was beneficial or appropriate. We know that her situation is less than ideal and carries a bit of shame with it. Our desire is to encourage her and let her know that the ministry’s support of her isn’t dependent upon “how good of a Christian she is” but what is best for her. Not disciplining her for dropping out last year with no notice is not acceptable for any of the kids we support. Also, it would be unwise to jump back in to school 2 months behind while also nursing a baby. We told her that we would prefer that she stabilizes her life a bit. We encouraged her that it is great she wants to continue school and we support her in that desire, but we cannot confidently pay for it this year given that it is too far in the school year at this point to start. We also encouraged her that in this year, it would be important for her to find work. Now that she is an adult making adult decisions it is important that she takes responsibility for her life and her daughter as well. Next year, in the appropriate timing, we can explore options again to help her with schooling.

Please continue to pray for Jairo and Dincy as they try to navigate becoming young adults. That they would continue to have a desire to finish their schooling and be responsible for their futures.