Photo Gallery

Three months after inauguration, we were able to visit our school in the isolated Quiché Department of Guatemala. Pencils of Promise lead the way on a multi-day visit of our partner community, Monte Maria.

The Monte Maria Community is located about 14 miles north of Chicaman. The school is nestled at the bottom of a small valley. There is not yet electricity in the village.

The local students waiting for our arrival. From the sound of our pick-up coming down the rocky road, I am sure just about everyone new we were arriving!

Students made signs to thank Pencils of Promise, the partner organization that coordinated the construction of the school.

All of the kids were so thankful! The left sign reads "Thanks for thinking about our community!" and the other "Thanks for your donation Mr. Christian".

Students lined up patiently to watch the ceremony which would include dancing, live music and commemorative speeches about the constructions of the school.

The first event, a traditional Mayan dance.

The next event, a sack race! They were not short on volunteers to join in on this race.

Christian being presented with a basket full of Guanabana (Soursop), a fruit found in this region and a handmade woven bag which reads "Remember Monte Maria, Christian".

Of course, they had to make the Gringo guest of honor dance in front of everyone!

It was a huge to surprise to everyone when we announced that every child would get a bag of school supplies and candies.