The Antigua site is a bit noisier than usual these days. That's because renovations are underway to enhance our reading and youth programs. The improvements will raise the prominence of the library and will also create more space for children and families to spend time in a safe, peaceful, environment.

The biggest change will be a more prominent entrance and patio for the library, to encourage families to utilize the library more and create more space for them to sit and enjoy a good book. Next year, we're hoping to secure funds for a new playground and multipurpose recreation area for our youth programs, so children and teenagers have a safe and fun place to spend time. And, we are building a new brick walkway to the library and recreation area. The bricks will be engraved with the names of high school graduates, a way to honor and reinforcement the importance of this achievement that we are all working toward.

Josué Sicán, facilities and project manager, says construction of the entryway was completed on August 5. He expects the finishing touches will be completed by September 15, at which time construction of the garden area will begin. Bricks for the graduate path are already being laid and will be finished by August 25, when a company from Guatemala City will begin engraving them with the names of graduates.

Reading and Creativity Promoter Jacqueline Figueroa says she is already thinking about how she will decorate the new entrance to the library. She has a ton of ideas and is just waiting for the moment when she can start.

To see more pictures of the construction, click here. 

Our Wednesday volunteers were busy sorting in-kind supplies   donated by the St. Cloud Catholic Diocese Mission Office.

St. Cloud Mission Office delivers truckload of supplies 

Our Wednesday volunteers were kept busy a couple weeks ago after we received a truckload of in-kind supplies from the St. Cloud Catholic Diocese Mission Office.  

Beth Neville, the new director of the mission office, dropped the items off with her children. They delivered 970 ditty bags, 1022 bars of soap, 997 toothbrushes, and a collection of school supplies. Mary Lou Janski coordinated the donation, which the mission office has been collecting since 2008. She says the women who put together the supplies are between age 80 and 90 years old.   

These supplies are very helpful for our preventive dental care education in local communities and schools. Many thanks to the St. Cloud Mission Office donors, volunteers, and staff!  

Carla, age 8, is studying in first grade this year. She wants to be a doctor when she grows up, but in the meantime, she likes playing hide and seek. One of seven kids, Carla lives with her siblings and single mother in a small home made of sheet metal. Her mother washes clothes for a small income, enough for the most basic necessities. They currently receive extra food baskets for an illness in the family. Three other children in Carla's family also need sponsors.  

If you can sponsor Carla, please contact Jessie Szopinski via email, call (651) 917-0917, or sponsor her online today.   

Our Health Care Program is currently seeking monetary donations to fulfill a $20,000 matching grant. We have $7,500 yet to raise for health care by the end of 2011 to release the matching funds. You can contribute to this cause on our website, by sending in a check, or by calling our office at (651) 917-0917. Write a note on the check or online form that you want your gift to go toward health care. 

We currently have a number of position openings. This includes a language therapist and a Vision Team coordinator in Guatemala. 

If you are interested or know of someone who would be a great fit, please visit our website or pass this email along. Thank you! 

Other ways to get the latest news:

Registration is open for our second annual Drive Out Poverty Golf Tournament, a benefit for Common Hope sponsored by AbeTech. The event will be held on September 22, 2011 at the Fox Hollow Golf Club in St. Michael, MN. Shotgun start will be at 12:30 p.m.  

To register or to learn more about sponsorship opportunities, click here. 

The 2011 Chicago Noche de Colores benefit for Common Hope will take place on Thursday, October 20 in downtown Chicago. Please save the date for this lively, colorful event. More details coming soon.  

Interested in planning a vacation with a vision yet this year? We have openings for 2011 Vision Teams:   

• Nov 12 - 19* 
• Nov 19 - 26
• Nov 26 - Dec 3

* Graduation trip;  Space for individuals