Travels in Guatemala - Scholarship Update

By Brenda Betz-Stoltz

Canoeing on Lake Atitlan.

In Santiago Atitlan, the sun is rising, the fog is lifting, and the volcanoes appear surrounding a majestic lake formed in the crater of a volcano. It is pure magic - the lake is filled with fishermen paddling about, trucks roll by filled with workers heading for the hills,  and people walking the streets nearby living their lives.

At the lake, the Maya culture is alive - the people, in their colorful dress, are full of determination and grit in the small village of Santiago Atitlan nestled between volcanoes. 

Thirty-three years ago, Farmer to Farmer befriended a small group of weavers in this place that was ravaged by the war, and this friendship has grown into a family. We've watched the children grow up, families experience strife,  devastated by death, and so many joyful celebrations. 

In February, the F2F group travelled to the lake to celebrate graduations and hand out scholarships in this beautiful place. Our hearts are filled with pride and gratitude as we celebrate all 17 of our students in Guatemala.  Four in elementary school, two in junior high, four in high school, six in university, and one English student.  We celebrated two university graduations this year.  Jessica has graduated with her teaching certificate, and Josefa graduated with her law degree.

Josefa passionately told the students, “Reaching your dreams can be very, very difficult. It is important to be true to yourself and not to listen to anyone telling you, you can’t do it.”  Touching her heart, she says, “You have to be true to yourself and follow your dreams.  College is hard.  It is a very difficult thing to do.  If you fail, you try again.”  A very powerful message for all of us!  We’re so proud of all our students!

We’ve watched young children grow into adolescence - then into adults with direction and purpose following their dreams and exploring life’s possibilities. A heartfelt thank you to all of you for all of your support and generosity in making their dreams a reality!