As you may recall, we have had quite a difficult time to help/push Jackeline to vigorously hunt for a job to help support her kids. We are hopeful that this recent push is what she needed as well as a welcome change for Jairo and Alejandra.

This year we have been evaluating which families truly need our help and which families can help themselves a little more. We decided that it was time for Jackeline to contribute a little to her children’s education which hopefully will encourage her to find more sustainable forms of income. Aside from living with her boyfriend of a few years, Jackeline hasn’t been bringing in much, if any, income for herself or her kids. Since Eddar doesn’t seem interested in getting officially married, this puts Jackeline in a very vulnerable situation. Unfortunately, it is more common in Guatemala than you might think. We are thankful that Eddar is very stable and very supportive of Jackeline and the kids. However, it is also unhealthy for her to rely on his income alone.

Jairo and Alejandra struggled this past year in their classes online, not just because of the format, but also because there was very little teaching done. Originally, we had enrolled them in this school, even though it was a little pricey, because they had dedicated psychologists on staff to help children who struggle with learning in various ways. Due to the pandemic, however, that is no longer the case but they continue to charge the same. Jackeline enrolled the kids in a different school and paid for registration on her own (although it is unclear how she got the money as we still haven’t heard of her getting a new job).

As a ministry, we will continue to help with supplies and monthly tuition but the other costs the family will be responsible for. As we grow in our relationship with this family, we have been able to have deeper conversations about the future, financial responsibility, and the example Jackeline is setting for her own kids. We know it has been difficult for her, especially with the pandemic in a country with an over 50% unemployment rate, but we have also witnessed other families who are less educated find work to sustain their families.

Please pray for Jackeline and us as we continue to minister to her and encourage her in these areas. Also, pray for the kids as they start in a new school this year!