Breaking Barriers

    I have felt like such a proud mom this month. There is nothing I love more than watching my kids succeed. I the last two weeks, I have sat in on 11 graduation ceremonies and watched nearly 40 of our sponsored students graduate. There were several moments when tears sprung to my eyes as I watched them walk across the stage and receive their diplomas. When I think of how hard they have worked to get here and how much they have overcome, I just stand in awe of the amazing people that they are. These kids are cycle breakers and overcomers. Every single one of them. Many of these students are the first generation in their family to learn to read. They have struggled, fought, broken through barriers, and are soaring. I couldn't be more proud of them. They are seizing educational opportunities and they will change their community. 

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." -Nelson Mandela

    One of my proudest moments wasn't even with one of our graduates, but with my sweet Yubelkis. She is one of the precious first graders in my Santa Matilde literacy development group. This girl is just incredible! This year is her first year back in school after missing an entire year when her mom was diagnosed with cancer and unable to work (Yubelkis and her family picture left). Thanks to sponsorship, Yubelkis returned to school in February and has absolutely excelled. I do not even know how to explain how incredible this little girl is. At seven years old, Yubelkis washes and irons both her clothes and her little sister's, gets them both ready and to school on time everyday. She has helped care for her mom as she has been undergoing chemotherapy and grown weaker and weaker. In the midst of the struggles and heartache she is facing at home, Yubelkis still faithfully attends school, church, and weekly tutoring with a bright smile and open heart. 

    Even with all of the turmoil going on in her life this year, Yubelkis is more than succeeding. This week at her school's graduation, Yubelkis was honored as the TOP STUDENT in first grade. She is walking through all that she is facing with more grace, joy, maturity, and faithfulness than any 7 year old I have ever seen (or any adult for that matter). She is an overcomer. The Lord has a special calling over this girl's life and I cannot wait to watch her walk it out. And she will complete all that the Lord has for her. I am beyond amazed at these beautiful, incredible children that I get to love, believe in, and walk beside as they break every barrier put before them and overcome.