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 | Brynn and Marly, both 14 and in 8th grade, have written letters since 2011.
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Two teens, two cultures, so much in common
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Sponsorship can help expand our world, teaching us about a culture and background very different from our own. It can also make the world feel a little smaller, showing us the ways we are the same. The latter was the case for Brynn Murray and Marly Rivera when they met earlier this month, after writing letters since 2011.
Being a girl soccer player. Navigating cliques at school. Reading Twilight. Loving the band One Direction. All came up in conversation during their hour-long visit. The girls, both 14 and in eighth grade, were a bit shy at first. But it wasn't long before they were asking questions and chattering away like old friends.
When they talked about Common Hope's youth program, Marly said she doesn't go, because she doesn't know many people there, and it can feel cliquey. Brynn identified with this but shared her strategy for getting past it -- when she wants to go to events like this, she takes a friend along. They usually know different people, Brynn explained, so she leaves with more friends than she came with.
When talking about playing soccer, Marly said many people have told her soccer isn't a girl's sport. Brynn assured her it most definitely is. When Brynn presented the book Twilight as a gift, Marly got very excited -- she has seen all the movies and loves them. So Brynn asked a key question for Twilight fans: "Are you team Jacob or Edward?" Marly replied without missing a beat: "Team Jacob! Edward is ugly."
The visit flew by, filled with laughter. Brynn said it was the highlight of her trip, and she couldn't wait to get home to tell her friends. The connection between the girls clearly touched everyone in attendance. Continue...
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 | | Tari Waite in a slideshow presented at Buffalo United Methodist Church. |
Vision Team talk inspires 8 sponsors and counting
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On Sunday April 7, Georgia Docherty's Vision Team was busy out at Buffalo United Methodist Church (BUMC) in Buffalo, MN, engaging the congregation and building support for Common Hope.
The church has been involved with Common Hope for many years, having sent five Vision Teams to Guatemala since 2004, so Common Hope is well-known in the community. Still, a number of people were moved for the first time to sign up and sponsor a child. The talk inspired eight new sponsorships that day, with several others expressing interest in sponsoring soon.
During the service, team leader Georgia Docherty gave a powerful speech about why she leads Vision Teams and how the experience has changed her. After this year's trip, Georgia will have traveled to Guatemala with each one of her children. She will take her youngest daughter, Mara, this year. Georgia says she is so lucky to be able to bring her children with her; they get to experience at a young age what life is like for many other children in the world.
Others who spoke were Vision Team member Jenny White and sponsors Joel Werner and Tari Waite. Jenny spoke about the magic of her first team experience and why she's drawn to go back. Joel and Tari both gave moving testimonials about their relationships with sponsored children Nataly, Mabi and Milvia. Joel read a short letter from Nataly out loud, which drew chuckles and a few tears from the congregation. Tari shared a beautiful slideshow she created that chronicled her sponsorship with Mabi.
To date, the Vision Team from BUMC has nearly reached their fundraising goal of $4,000 for children without sponsors in Guatemala -- much of which was raised during Sunday's moving services featuring Common Hope. Many thanks to the team for spreading the word in such a powerful way.
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 | | Walter Estrada, our Antigua clinic director, has a special request for a patient. |
Help a student who needs chemotherapy
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Dr. Walter Estrada, our Antigua clinic director, has brought an urgent need to our attention: Gustavo, an affiliated student, has a brain tumor and needs chemotherapy immediately. The treatment will costs about $3,000, including staff time and transportation to and from chemotherapy appointments in Guatemala City. If you can help with a donation to our health care program, click here or call us at (651) 917-0917.
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 | | Katherine is in need of a sponsor. |
Sponsor this explorer of new places
| Katherine is in the 4th grade in the San Miguel Milpas Altas elementary school, where her favorite class is Math. She would like to become a doctor, and knows this means she will have to work hard, because there are many illnesses and health needs in her community.
In the meantime, Katherine loves to play dolls with her cousins and siblings. Her favorite food is fried chicken and a salad name Rusa, especially if her mom cooks it. She is learning to cook herself but thinks her mom cooks the best food, and she always congratulates her for it. Katherine also likes visiting new places, like the beach. Even though she is afraid of the ocean, she likes watching the waves.
If you can help Katherine reach toward her goal, please contact Jessie Szopinski via email, call (651) 917-0917, or sponsor her online. Thank you! |
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Tickets on sale now for Noche
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 Openings for Vision Teams | Interested in planning a vacation with a vision? 2013 openings: September 22-29 and December 1-8. Plus, we are now booking for May 2014 and beyond.
You can check out the trip calendar on our website. Talk to your friends, family, and co-workers, and start planning your trip of a lifetime. |
 Notes from the Field | | Want to have a closer look at what's happening in Guatemala? Check out our blog, Notes from the Field, where recent stories include a special "waterpark" brought to the Antigua site by youth program staff, and the beautiful carpets of Semana Santa. |
 Work for Common Hope in Guatemala |
We have a number of long-term volunteer openings in Guatemala. These positions come with a living stipend and additional benefits. Open positions include a Vision Team Coordinator and a Physician. Details and requirements here. |
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