I have created this GoFundMe account to help a very dear friend of mine in Guatemala get back on her feet. Those of you who know me, if you have never had the pleasure of meeting her yourself, have definitely heard me talk about Silvia, the woman who has accepted me as her "daughter" and who welcomes me with a wide open heart every time I visit Guatemala. Silvia is by far the strongest, most loving, and most perseverant woman I have ever met. It amazes me how much positive energy can radiate from one person. This is the kind of person she chooses to be in spite of all the overwhelming challenges she has had to overcome in her life. Silvia was pulled out of school at a very early age and, after the death of her mother, was forced to fend for herself as a child with no education or family support. Silvia later found her happiness in life housing study abroad students, an experience that she says "makes her feel that she exists". The last study abroad program she worked with was through CIRMA in Antigua, Guatemala, the same program that brought me to SIlvia. Unfortunately, a couple of years ago, CIRMA shut their doors and discontinued study abroad. This left many, including Silvia, suddenly jobless and forced to look for something else. Without any education, you can imagine how hard finding a job can be. While trying to keep the house she was renting in hopes of another study abroad program opening up, she had to sell just about all of her belongings until she could no longer pay the rent. She had no choice but to move from Antigua about a year ago and her life has since become a downhill spiral. The living environment is less than optimum and she has become very thin, her health has suffered, and she is extremely discouraged. Another study abroad program has opened up and, since they are aware of her impeccable reputation, work ethic and excellent home environment for housing students, they would love for her to work with them. Silvia has the dream of returning to Antigua to once again to house students, while also opening up a business selling her delicious food out of her home. This way she would be able to share her love and expertise with the students, while also having a second, more stable income to keep her from returning to the same awful circumstances. We calculated the cost of the move, first month's rent and deposit, material and permits she will need for her business, beds for the students (since she was forced to sell the ones she had), and other necessary household items to get her started. These expenses totaled about $3000. I am reaching out to my family and friends, friends of Silvia, and other students to whom she has given her love and who know exactly what I'm talking about when I say she's the best host mom in the world. I am asking you all to donate anything you can. A little bit from a lot of individuals can go a long way to help Silvia get back on her feet, to be able to give back and feel alive once again doing what her heart desires to do most.