Facing the future together

 

by Franciscan Associate Viridiana Quiroz Rogell

Luis David and Luis Antonio entered our program when they were just six years old – two shy and innocent little boys, twin grandsons of our associate, Yolanda. Yola asked if they could be accepted into our program because they needed our support in order to stay in school. Their Mom was only sixteen when they were born; she couldn’t find a job and was not able to supply them with the basics for their education. We soon found them sponsors who were touched by their situation and happy to help.

The story continues when I (Viry) began tutoring them. They were getting average grades, but wanted to improve. We studied the basics of Math, Spanish, and History, and I helped them with their homework. Things were going pretty well until their Mom abandoned the family, and then the responsibility for the twins’ education fell into Yolanda’s hands. It was tough for the boys to concentrate on their studies during this difficult time, and their grades dropped. But with the constant love and unconditional support of their sponsors, tutors, and their grandmother, they got back on track, and are doing well in school again.

The boys are fourteen now and are in eighth grade. Whenever they have questions, they know they can come to us for help. They know that they are important in our eyes. Both boys say that one of their great motivations for working hard in school is that they do not want to disappoint their sponsors, who have invested so much in helping them move towards a brighter future. David is thinking about becoming a chef, and Antonio wants to study robotics. We are currently teaching them how to develop good study habits in a course entitled “Learn to Learn” so that they can do well in high school and possibly even go on to college.

Luis Antonio and Luis David were among the first children in our program. We’ve tried to be there for them in the ups and downs of their lives over the past eight years. Thanks to a great team effort, these boys have grown from timid and sheltered first graders to confident eighth graders with dreams for their future. We are grateful to their sponsors and all our benefactors for helping them on their way to a brighter future.

 

 

EN ESPAÑOL

Luis David y Luis Antonio llegaron a la edad de 6 años, dos inocentes pequeños nietos de nuestra compañera asociada Yolanda, llegan a nuestro pequeño proyecto en ese entonces, gracias a que Yola pidió un apoyo para sobresalir en su escuela, su mamá una joven de tan solo 16 años sin un trabajo solvente y estable no pudo darles una buena educación, fue así como su historia llegó a manos de sus padrinos, quienes conmovidos no dudaron en ayudarlos, iniciaron tomando tutorías con migo, Viry, tutorías básicas como el español, matemáticas, historia y ayudándoles con las tareas pero todo se derrumbó en sus vidas cuando un día su mamá los dejó académicamente abandonados, sin ese apoyo Yola su abuelita decidió ayudarlos en lo que fuese necesario, dicho el caso, les fue afectado en su historial académico y social, pero gracias al amor y ayuda  incondicional de sus padrinos, tutores, y su abuela fue como retomaron el interés por conseguir un futuro mejor, eligiendo así el buen camino del saber, a pesar de haber tenido bajas notas ellos se acercaban a preguntar sus dudas, y a a sus ya 14 años cursando 2 de secundaria lograron aclarar cual será su meta, su propósito en la vida y a no defraudar a quienes siempre estuvieron ahí ofreciendo una mano, uno de ellos David decidió estudiar para ser chef, a lo que el otro Luis Antonio se irá por el camino de la robótica, actualmente están teniendo tutorías con Carlos de Matemáticas, Inglés y un taller llamado “aprender a aprender” mostrando un interés único por querer ser alguien importante en la vida. Luis David y Luis Antonio son de los primeros pequeños en ingresar en nuestro ya nombrado proyecto esperando cambiarles su futuro logrando sus sueños dirigidos por el buen camino.

 

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Working to better herself: the story of Rubí

By Carlos Flores Román, future Franciscan associate

Rubí comes from a humble family of nine children. Their mother has been head of the family ever since their father died years ago, when Rubì was small. Mom supports them by selling bags of fruit from a wheelbarrow on a street corner, just outside a bus terminal in Cuernavaca. It’s a family business, and everyone pitches in.

Like all families, they’ve had some hard times. One of her older brothers was going down the wrong road, but his mother acted promptly and took him to the village of his grandparents out in the country. There he was able to get back on track.

The day I met Rubí, I saw she was a shy girl, but with a desire to improve herself. Maybe that was the reason she approached us to ask for help. She needed tutoring in order to pass the admission test to senior high.

Thanks to our benefactors, we are able to offer tutoring to children like Rubí at no charge. We immediately started working on her basic knowledge. I soon realized we would have to review the most basic math, including addition and subtraction, before we could go on to high school level courses such as algebra. This is not unusual in Mexico, especially in the public schools, where academic levels are very low.

Working with her several hours a week was the only way to reach the goals we had set for ourselves. And this is what we did, for days, and then for weeks, until the day of the exam to enter senior high. Passing this exam meant a lot to Rubí; it would mean her life was taking a turn for the better. And, with a good average, she could go to school in the morning session and help her Mom in the afternoon.

In the end, she passed with flying colors. We are so proud of her! Through her own initiative and hard work, she has taken a big step in her life. She knows she still has a long way to go, but she is doing very well – possibly because she is so clear about her dream of moving forward. She knows where she is going and where she wants to go.

Well done, Rubí! We pray you’ll keep on moving forward and someday hold that high school diploma in your hands.

LA HISTORIA DE RUBÍ

Escrito por Carlos Flores, future asociado franciscano

Rubí, viene de una familia humilde y extensa cuya cabeza de la misma es su mamá ya que su papá falleció hace años; su madre los mantiene vendiendo cocteles de fruta en una carretilla, afuera de una terminal de autobuses en la Cd. de Cuernavaca; convirtiéndose este en un negocio familiar en donde todos, de alguna forma, colaboran.

Como toda familia, han pasado por diversas vicisitudes. Uno de los hermanos mayores estaba yéndose por el mal camino a lo que la madre actuó acertadamente llevándolo al pueblo de sus abuelos y así pudo recuperarlo.

El día que conocí a Rubí, vi en ella a una chica tímida, pero, con un deseo de superarse; tal vez ese fue el motivo por el que ella se acercó al proyecto para pedir ayuda con tutorías con las cuales ella pudiera seguir aprendiendo y de esa manera poder pasar su examen de ingreso.

Cuando empezamos a trabajar con ella, nos dimos cuenta que sólo tenía conocimientos básicos y fue de ahí de donde empezamos, de las operaciones más sencillas hasta llegar a las más complicadas. Casos como el de Rubí son típicos ya que el nivel académico en México es deficiente.

Trabajando con ella varias horas a la semana fue como se pudo llegar a la meta que nos habíamos propuesto, así pasaron los días, las semanas, hasta que llegó el día de hacer el examen para entrar al bachillerato, que de algún modo le daría un giro a la vida de Rubí ya que gracias a que lo aprobó con buen promedio pudo quedarse en el turno matutino. Ella logró dar un paso más en su vida y, aunque aún le falta mucho camino por recorrer lo va haciendo muy bien porque tiene claro su sueño de superación: porque ella sabe por dónde va y a dónde quiere llegar.

 

New life for Irineo

By Franciscan associate Francisco Nava

Irineo began a new phase of his life two years ago when we helped him transfer from a school near his home to a new school in the tiny pueblo of Tepoztlán. We also enrolled him in a YMCA residential program. He had not been doing well in the extreme poverty of his home environment. We knew it was important to give him a chance to start anew in a totally new place, and his parents agreed to the change.

Now that he has been in Tepoztlan for two full years, my mind is full of memories. I have walked side by side with Irineo during this time as his mentor. I remember when he arrived at our house in Tepoztlan for the first time. He immediately wanted to be helpful, offering to wash the floor and pick up trash from the lawn.

Irineo is the second child we have received in Tepoztlan. He reminds me that human beings can be influenced according to the examples that they receive in their surroundings. Many have said similar things about Irineo: “He is a good boy who little by little is making friends and learning to take care of himself.” In truth, he underwent a very radical change; from being a child who was told what to do every moment, to becoming a boy who is learning to take care of his clothes, school supplies, and personal hygiene. The latter has been a challenge! But step by step, he is being transformed and is becoming a very responsible young man. Now he even does his homework without being told!

It’s not all rosy. He stumbles from time to time, but we walk with him through the tough times. We are very aware of what could divert him from the path that his family and society ask of him. But we are committed to his wellbeing and success.

And today we are celebrating! We just received the results of his entrance exam to junior high. He did so well that he will be receiving a YMCA scholarship. Congratulations, Irineo, to you and to your family, too, who realized they needed to let go in order to allow him to grow and flourish. And thanks to our benefactors and to Irineo’s sponsors; for without your help, none of this would have been possible!

 

La historia de Irineo (español)

Con una historia escolar nada halagüeña, Irineo llegó a la escuela de Tepoztlán, al igual que al programa de becarios de la YMCA. Recuerdos iniciales me saltan a la mente cuando de él se habla; se notaba muy contento y, a pesar de lo extraño o difícil que pudiera pintar el futuro para la familia, se notaban abiertos y dispuestos a enfrentar el reto. Otra escena es que cuando llego a la casa de Tepoz lo primero que hizo fue ofrecerse a lavar el piso y a recoger basura que hubiera en el patio. Irineo es el segundo niño que recibimos en Tepoz y él, me recordó aquello de que “el ser humano puede moldearse de acuerdo a los ejemplos que vaya recibiendo de su entorno”. De él muchos han dicho lo mismo: “es un niño bueno que poco a poco fue haciendo amigos y se hizo cargo de si mismo. Pues sufrió un cambio muy radical; de ser un niño al que le estuvieran diciendo que hacer a cada momento a, un chico que tiene que cuidar de su ropa, útiles escolares y, algo esencial, su cuidado personal que sinceramente no ha sido fácil, pero paso a pasito ha ido transformándose en un jovencito limpio y, sobre todo, responsable. Llegó el momento, en el que sin decirle incansable número de veces que hiciera su tarea, ahora, la hace sin que nadie esté tras él, más que su propio sentido de responsabilidad. No todo es color de rosa. Ha sufrido tropezones y, nosotros junto con él, estamos alertas de lo que pudiera desviarlo del camino que su familia y la sociedad requieren de él. Estamos de fiesta, pues acaban de darnos el resultado de su examen para ingresar a la secundaria y, ¡sorpresa! quedó en el turno adecuado (matutino) para continuar con el programa de Becarios. ¡Enhorabuena para su familia y para él!

 

Earthquake Relief Effort

Fallen house in Jojutla

By Franciscan associate Malena Rubí

Yesterday a group of us from the Cuernavaca Children’s Mission, along with my brother-in-law Jesús, my son Cris and his wife and baby, went out to contribute the little that we could to a few neighborhoods hit by the earthquake of September 19. Thanks to people in the U.S. whose great generosity makes this possible, we were able to purchase food, medicine, and items of personal hygiene for people affected by the quake.

Since it is hard to find reliable information, we drove around the area for a few hours before we finally ended up in Jojutla. This is one of the towns that was hardest hit. We got out of the van to talk with the people, and heard many stories that broke our hearts. All we could do was hug them and tell them how grateful we were that their lives had been spared. It was so difficult for them to sit on the street in front of where their houses used to be. They saw the legacy of their entire lives destroyed in just a few seconds.

We gave the mothers food for their families. We gave many hugs to the elderly, and tried to give them strength. To the children we handed out milk and cereal that Yolanda had thought to bring, along with a few used toys. Our hearts were touched by their smiles.

But there is one person I will never forget. We were on the outskirts of town ready to return home when we saw a large group of volunteers on the road, pushing heavily-laden wheelbarrows of debris in the intense heat. We still had a few bottles of water left, so Cris started handing them out from the van as he drove by. The workers’ expressions of relief and gratitude encouraged us to give as much as we could until we had nothing left. We handed out water to construction workers, nurses, doctors, people searching in the rubble for survivors. We were ready to leave when an older man driving a dump truck pulled up to us and got out. He reached into his pocket for a 200 peso note and said, “Please keep doing this. Please use this to give water to these people.” He was just an ordinary guy, a laborer who obviously did not have money to spare. We did not want to take his money but he insisted. “It’s the only way I can help, since I cannot stop working to do it myself. Please take it.” Then he went back to the truck and drove away.

I wish I had taken a picture of this man whose selfless gesture touched me so deeply. I vow to multiply that 200 pesos and fulfill his desire to give water to the workers who continue laboring and suffering in the heat, ordinary people volunteering their time to help their neighbor. And I am going to frame that 200 peso note as a reminder of that simple man with a big heart – an unknown, anonymous hero – one of so many in these difficult times that we are living here. The government may not be doing its part, but the people are. People who have next to nothing are giving everything they have without keeping anything back. I am proud of my people, and proud of my country – my beautiful, beloved Mexico.

“Jojutla thanks you with all our heart for what you do for us”

EN ESPAÑOL

Les platicaré una experiencia que tuvimos ayer 22 de Septiembre.

Fuimos por parte del proyecto en el que somos voluntarios un grupo de Asociados Franciscanos, mi hijo, su esposa, su bebé y mi cuñado Jesús, para contribuir con nuestro granito de arena a las comunidades del estado, llevamos despensas, gracias a personas de gran corazón que en Estados Unidos han querido colaborar con su aportación para algunos de los muchos damnificados en el estado.

Después de un recorrido terminamos en Jojutla que es uno de los municipios más afectados por el terremoto del 19 de Septiembre, es realmente impresionante en el estado que se encuentra el municipio, hubo muchas historias que nos rompieron el corazón y casi nos ponemos a llorar con ellos, solo podíamos abrazarlos y decirles que teníamos vida y eso era lo principal en estos momentos. es muy difícil para ellos, sentarse en la calle frente a su casa observando solo como el patrimonio de toda su vida se fue en unos segundos.

Los voluntarios entregaban despensas, a las madres, a personas de la tercera edad que abrazamos para fortalecerlos y a los niños les dábamos pequeños paquetes de cereal con leche y una botella de agua (que llevo Yola), juguetes donados por otra pequeña bondadosa y nos hacia felices ver la sonrisa de los niños al recibirlos.

La historia que nunca olvidaré y será una lección de vida para mi, es la de un hombre grande de mediana edad que para mi es uno de los tantos héroes de nuestro México en la actualidad, íbamos ya de regreso con mucho tráfico vehicular, veíamos a muchos jóvenes en el camino, (mi impresión fue que eran estudiantes de clase media) voluntarios, sudando, cansados, llevando una carretilla empujando llena de escombro, bajo los fuertes rayos del sol, (porque si que hace calor allá), yo moría de calor.

A Cris, mi hijo, se le ocurrió darle una botella de agua que agradecían enormemente, al ver su reacción de agradecimiento continuamos dándoles a cuanto voluntario veíamos, así fuera pasante de enfermería jóvenes médicos pasantes, a todo el que estuviera colaborando en la buscada de sobrevivientes y acarreo de escombro, así íbamos cuando de repente un hombre maduro en su camión de volteo que también llevaba escombro, se bajo de su camión y se dirigió hacia nosotros, que estábamos desconcertados al escucharlo y extendiendo la mano con $200 pesos, nos dijo: “Por favor continúen haciendo esto”, nosotros no queríamos recibir el dinero y le dijimos que le prometíamos que de todos modos lo continuaríamos haciendo pero el insistió mucho y dijo: “Es la única forma en que yo puedo ayudar no puedo de otra forma, no tengo tiempo por favor tómenlo”, recibimos el billete, pero cuándo reaccioné el hombre había desaparecido seguramente para continuar haciendo viajes de escombros, quería alcanzarlo y tomarle una foto, pero ya era demasiado tarde, ya no estaba.

Por todo esto, aquí ante ustedes, prometo que lo volveremos a hacer esos 200 pesos se multiplicarán para realizar su deseo y ese billete lo pondré en un cuadro para siempre recordar a ese buen hombre de gran corazón. Un héroe desconocido,anónimo, como hay muchos en estos tiempos difíciles que estamos viviendo aquí en nuestro México querido, que aún teniendo tan poco lo entrega todo sin reservas. Estoy orgullosa de mi gente, de mi México, mi México lindo y querido!!!!.

 

Overcoming shyness and forging ahead

Esmeralda (right) with one of the tutors we are providing for her

Written by associate-in-training Johaly Flores

Esmeralda: despite the circumstances of her birth, she is a child who had been wanted and hoped for, ever since she was in the womb of her mother. Esme was born into a family that lives in extreme poverty –  an extended family of 16 people live in two small rooms made of concrete block – but a family full of love and tenderness. Her parents make a living by playing the accordion for tips in front of the Cathedral of Cuernavaca. Twice a week over the past few years, Malena and Sister Maggie have always stopped by to say hello and to put a few coins in the till. It wasn’t much, but it was much appreciated. Her mom said it helped pay for the expenses when Esme was born. There are always lots of expenses when a new baby comes along, and it is even harder when you live day to day as they do.

Malena and Sister Maggie just had one request: that when Esmeralda was older, she would attend the free after-school tutoring that the Cuernavaca Children’s Mission offers just a few steps from where her parents play the accordion. Our Franciscan associates are there year-round to tutor the children of the street vendors, and treat them to a healthy snack afterwards.

And so it was. At the age of five, Esme arrived at the little outdoor café where tutoring was offered. Unfortunately, her first experience was not very pleasant. Since she did not know anyone, she felt very shy and started crying. She clung to her mom and would not let her go. We decided she was not quite ready for tutoring. Six months later, we tried again. This time, Esmeralda was ready. She felt calm, secure, and motivated to learn. Now, at the age of six, she always has a smile in spite of her shyness. She loves to learn, and always has a thousand questions, always wanting to know WHY? She is a quick learner, and with a little help, we think she will do very well as she enters first grade this month. She has already learned the alphabet and is even beginning to read a little.

Congratulations, Esmeralda! We will do all we can to help you have a bright future ahead!

En español:

Esmeralda. Una niña que desde que estaba en el vientre de su madre ya se le conocia y se le esperaba. Los padres de esme tocan el acordeón frente a la catedral de cuernavaca y con lo recolectado es como sostienen a la familia que ahora ya esta conformada por 4 miembros. Malena y la hermana maggie cada martes y jueves le daban $10 pesos a la mamá de esme para ayudarla y aunque para algunos parece poco o algo insignificante para ella era de mucha ayuda, era como contribuir para el parto ya que no cuentan con el dinero suficiente para todos los gastos que conlleva el tener un bebé. La petición era que una vez que esme creciera la llevarán a “el cafecito” un lugar frente a la catedral donde se reunen los asociados franciscanos a dar clases y apoyo a los niños, y así fue, esme acudió un día y su experiencia no fue buena como no conocía a nadie se intimido, lloro y no quiso quedarse , se quería ir con su mamá paso algún tiempo y la mamá volvió a intentar la llevo y funcionó! Esme ya se sentía más tranquila y segura, ella estaba muy motivada y quería aprender. Esme una niña de 6 años un poco tímida pero siempre mostrando una sonrisa, sus ganas de estudiar y como cualquier niño con muchas dudas pero sobre todo con mil preguntas.. siempre preguntando ¿por qué? ¿para qué? ¿como? etc. y aunque aveces un poco distraída siempre termina sus ejercicios a tiempo. ahora se está preparando para entrar a la primaria y lo va hacer muy bien pues ya sabe la mayoría de letras y esta comenzando a leer.

 

 

Why am I so loved?

Introducing Juanito

Written by Franciscan associate Yolanda Rodriguez

I would like to write about a boy who has blessed me with his trust, friendship, and affection – Juanito. He is a quiet boy, very intelligent and observant, and very motivated to learn. He lives with his mother, brother, aunts, and grandmother. His grandma supports the family by walking the streets of Cuernavaca and selling seasonal items such as mosquito netting during the rainy season and poinsettias at Christmastime. His mother also helps by selling tortillas at a tortillería. Juanito’s father abandoned them all a while ago.

Juanito is now is first grade. He is very sweet and sometimes says to me, “Yola, why am I so loved?” I always answer, “Because you are a very smart and a very good boy. I too love you very much.”

We are grateful to our benefactors who are giving this sweet boy a chance to get an education and get ahead in life. May you always continue to know how loved you are, Juanito!

Juanito de cariño

Hablo de un niño que me he ganado su confianza, amistad, y su cariño hacia mí – Juanito. Un niño callado no habla mucho nada más observa a las personas, pero con muchas ganas de estudiar. Muy inteligente. Vive con su mamá, hermano, tías, y abuelita. Su abuelita sostiene la familia vendiendo pabellones, burbujas, flores, lo que puede ya que el papá de Juanito los abandonó. Son seis de familia y su mamá de Juanito apoya trabajando en una tortillería vendiendo para ayudar a su mamá, que se llama Silvina. Juanito va en primer año de primaria. Es muy tierno y me dice, Yola, ¿porque las personas me quieren mucho? Y yo le contesto que eres un niño muy inteligente y muy bueno, yo también te quiero mucho.

Headed for a future filled with hope

Written by Franciscan associate Ruth Bernal Hernandez

At ten years old, Cristal has already had to struggle in life. Her parents were very young when she was born, and they promptly abandoned her and divorced. Her father does have some contact with her now, but his new wife rejects Cristal completely. So he has entrusted the care of Cristal to his own parents.

Cristal’s grandfather was a construction worker until he was badly hurt in an accident at work. Grandma and Grandpa love Cristal dearly and do their best to provide for her, but it is not easy.  Thanks to Sister Maggie and the Cuernavaca Children’s Mission, Cristal now has a good support system surrounding her. She has become part of our Franciscan family. And despite being new to our program, she won second place in our most recent reading contest, reading a total of thirty books in six months. She is an intelligent girl with an A average in school; she likes to play soccer and play the flute; and her favorite activities are reading and watching documentaries. Her favorite subject in school is math, because, she says, it makes her think!

We thank God for Cristal’s sponsors and for all the good people who make our work possible. Your donations make it possible for our children to have a better quality of life and a brighter future.

SPANISH VERSION:

Es una bendición contar bellas historias.

Cristal, es una niña, que ha luchado en la vida. a pesar de ser una niña abandonada por sus padres.

Sus papás unieron sus vidas muy jóvenes. de esa unión, nació Cristal, sus padres no eran compatibles, tenian muchas cosas en contra, por lo que decidieron separarse.

Ellos, decidieron rehacer su vida. por lo que Cristal, ahora tiene tres hermanos, por parte de su su mamá y uno por parte  de su papá.

El papá, se unió a una mujer que rechaza a cristal,

Por cuestiones de trabajo, su papá ha tenido que viajar a otros estados. dejando a la niña con sus papás y con la madrastra, ellos se hacen cargo de la niña

Cristal es muy inteligente, lleva buenas calificaciones, le gusta practicar el futbol y tocar la flauta. lo que mas le gusta hacer es leer. y ver documentales.

la materia que mas le agrada en la escuela, es matemáticas, porque dice que la hace pensar.

Gracias a la hermana Maggie, cristal ya no está sola, ahora es parte de esta maravillosa familia franciscana.

Dios bendiga a sus padrinos y a las personas que hacen posible esta bonita labor. por brindar sus donativos, para que niños como ella tengan una mejor calidad de vida.

Dios los bendiga.