Dear friends and family,

As many of you remember, about 4 years ago a group of Santa Fe Christian freshmen students were involved in rescuing two people from the ocean at Moonlight Beach. Unfortunately the two men (Bacilio and Gerardo) passed away a few days later, but we were able to connect with their friends and family in the hospital.  Both of the men came from an extremely poor area of Guatemala and were sending money to support their families that still live there. With their death, their families not only lost their loved ones, but Bacilio’s wife and five kids and Gerardo’s mom and little brother lost their only source of support. When we visited the family in Guatemala, it was evident that there is very little economic opportunity in their community. We are so thankful for all of the support that many of you have provided for this family thus far, and now we have another opportunity to help! 

One of the daughters, Nidia, is very motivated and excited about continuing her education and pursuing a degree in Computer Business Administration. She just graduated from the highest level of schooling available in her village and now has to travel everyday to the city in order to continue. For the first time, it seems like this family has a chance for the long term as the way out of poverty and dependence for them can be achieved through education. Below is a translated version of a letter that Nidia wrote to us describing her situation and opportunity she has to complete a degree in three years at a private institution. She emphasizes that this opportunity would allow her to have more success in her future and eliminate the need to immigrate to a foreign country in order to survive. The total cost for the school, including transportation, etc. is about $1,500 per year, totaling $4,500 for her to graduate. We would appreciate any help and know that Nidia would be beyond grateful if we can help her achieve her goal. Thank you so much for all that you have already done to support this family, and please help us to continue to make a difference. 

Here is the link to the GoFundMe from four years ago: https://www.gofundme.com/MoonlightRescue


Nidia’s letter:

First of all greetings to you Mr. Chris and your family and friends I send you a cordial greeting and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for being so kind to us with all of the help you have given, for which we are grateful to God and to all of you and may God continue blessing your lives and those of all who surround you.

As you well remember my family went through a very difficult time with the loss of my Dad and my cousin and it hasn’t been easy to overcome the loss of my Dad but with your support, we have found that unconditional support that we sought in our daily lives. 

Well, now I have decided that I am not going to give up and will be forging ahead and fight to achieve a dream I want to continue studying and receive a degree and a profession to be able to help my family I want to give them a better future regardless of the obstacles I have to confront but to continue in school is something I deeply desire. 

Truthfully, I wouldn’t have made it to this point and even had this goal without your help and I am entirely grateful to all of you who helped me get this far. 

Also, truthfully Mr. Chris, many thanks for your advice and counsel which along with the support from your family and friends has served me well to have come this far and for me and my family to keep forging ahead. 

Well, it is with pleasure (more like “it fires me up”) to ask of you the great favor and as such I ask God’s help that you will find mercy for me and my family by helping with the requirements (costs) of the major I want to study and that major I am most interested in is Computer Business Administration and this major is offered at a private institution. 

The reason for which this major attracted my attention is because I have skills in math, artistic expression and chemistry and these abilities I consider to be in my favor in succeeding this triumph which will be a better investment in my future as I would not need to immigrate to a foreign country like so many people have to who do not have an education, lack opportunities and thus have uncertain lives. 

Well, I have been so grateful to you and would be also if you can help with the costs related to continuing my education which are as follows:

Each year $715 in transportation, $340 in tuition, $65 in registration fees and school supplies, $200 for field study, $130 for the school uniform.  That is $1,450 per year and the Computer Business Administration degree lasts three years so the total needed is $4,350 to complete the degree and the classes start from January to November 2019, 2020, 2021. 

I would be so grateful for all of the support that you can give me including sponsoring my and becoming part of this dream I want to achieve many thanks and God bless you. 

Sincerely.  NIDIA Simona and family