Since our last update on this family, they have gone through a lot of ups and downs.
In the featured picture, Apolonia and Paola came to the ministry center to receive their Christmas basket.
On September 15th, the girls’ paternal grandmother passed away. Both their grandmother and grandfather have been struggling with their health and this has weighed greatly on them because they live so far away and couldn’t visit often. They traveled up north to their village of origen to be with family for the funeral services.
Ana struggled this year with her schooling. When speaking to her privately, she admitted that she has been battling feelings of depression because of missing her dad. We are looking into options for free counseling services for her that are offered by the local municipality but it has been difficult to talk to them about these things as the cultural influence of shame has hindered the process. Ana wound up failing this year in school. She also celebrated her 15th birthday with some friends and family members. We were trying to find a way to help her have a party without it seeming like a reward since she was doing poorly in school but we later found out that they somehow did it on their own! This is a good sign although it indicates a breakdown in communication and trust between the family and the ministry.
Paola on the other hand, graduated high school! She was disappointed that the graduation was virtual and decided not to attend. Her sisters wanted to rent a toga to celebrate and take some pictures of the momentus occasion but she was not really into it.
Silvia graduated middle school and this year will be starting high school with a focus in accounting.
Apolonias foot seems to be healing as she has reported she has less and less pain in it. Additionally, we are currently working on getting a quote to help repair a wall in her house which is slowly falling down and needs to be reinforced. We hope to have that information soon and will start a special fundraising effort to cover it.
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