Nuevo Dia II

We arrived back at Nido del Aguila on January 13, about the same time the new school year started here. Our "new" school is Nuevo Dia a Nido del Aguila. Last year the school had 55 students in grades pre-kindergarten to 6th. Now we have 86 students, about 15 in each of six classes with six teachers, pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, first grade, second grade, 3-4 grades and 5-6 grades. Everyone, students, parents, teachers, are enthusiastic about the school coming to Nido del Aguila. Unfortunately, we will not be able to make the move until about Easter. The church building is not finished enough yet to conduct classes in the lower level. Thus the school is crammed into the exisiting building being rented in Solola. See how little room the 2nd grade and 3-4grades classes have.
The new school facility will be a great improvement in which the children can learn. We have funds for scholarships for six students thanks to your generosity. The school needs "scholarships" for a couple teachers. Four teachers were in the budget, but the school needed six teachers because of an almost even distribution of children in all the class levels. Of course the school is also seeking help in providing supplies, materials and equipment for the teachers in the new building. You can send a tax deductible donation to Nuevo Dia by sending your donation to the Goldendale Christian Fellowship.
Spring Arbor University in Michigan brought two groups of college students this year for a three week culturalization. Each group spent several days at Nido del Aguila, visiting Solola, and the surrounding area. We have also re-established contact with two other outreaches in the area, Solomon's Porch in Panajachel and Vinya Studios in Solola. Such a delight!
Hope continues for the children's home. The Guatemala government has proposed a pilot program for foreign adoptions, yet they have not said when or how they will implement it. Also we continue to press to get certified as a children's home. The final steps of the certification process appear to be within sight. We have 12 children now, the oldest four are school age.
We brought our 16 year old grand daughter, Rachael, with us. She is enrolled in an online school accredited through the Stevenson-Carson School Dist in Washington. This way, Rachael stays abreast of her high school studies. Rachael also meets a couple times a week with Rosie, one of the teachers at Nuevo Dia who is staying at Nido del Aguila. Rosie wants to learn English and Rachael is learning Espanol. Lots of giggling.
Beverly is still struggling with health issues so while we hope to return here later this year, the question remains open. We do plan to return to Goldendale the week after Easter.
May God bless you and keep you.
Ron and Beverly