As we prepare for classes to begin in September, please take a moment to read the inspiring story of ESL student-turned-volunteer Franci Maldonado. Her experience is a wonderful example of what ESLIM is all about. Also check out the upcoming training opportunities. Hope to see you there!

by Franci Maldonado, ESL Volunteer and Former ESL Student at Crossroads United Methodist Church

My name is Franci Maldonado. I moved from Honduras to the US nine years ago with my two children and my husband, Wilmer. Sofia was 21 months old and Wilmer Jr. was six years old. I came to this country full of dreams, and I was sure that I was going to accomplish them from the moment I arrived.

We lived with my sister in Sterling.  At first I worked as a breakfast hostess at the Hampton Inn, and then after six months we were able to move to Ashburn Meadows Apartments. As a family we were very happy to have our own place again. I went to Dominion Trail Elementary School to register Wilmer Jr. I could not speak any English, so the process was hard. Once I was done with the registration I asked the parent liaison at the school if she had information about places that offered ESL classes. She did not have detailed information, but she said that some churches offered ESL classes. I started to look in newspapers and found directions to different churches in Ashburn. Crossroads United Methodist Church was the first one that I visited, and to my surprise I found three AMAZING ladies with golden hearts: Terri Kennedy, Karleen Hagan and Barbara Bernett.

Six years ago I opened a licensed home daycare with the help of a few special people. And now, I am pursuing my associate's degree in early childhood development at Northern Virginia Community College.

Wilmer Jr. attends Broad Run High School and was recently inducted into the National Honor Society. Sofia started middle school and is a wonderful, loving and caring girl. Presently, I am teaching level one at the Crossroads ESL program with my children, and we will continue to teach if God permits. My husband has his own cleaning company and works for Loudoun County Public Schools. I am a crazy dreamer, and I tell my students that if I did it, they can do it too, and to never give up. While I have been blessed with so much already, I still dream of having a day care center--not a home-based business, but one that can hold many children. I know that when God decides I will have my own family-operated daycare center.