San Matías in Chuguexa - On the road with Deacon Phyllis Manoogian, Missioner from the diocese of California, TEC, at the diocese of Guatemala, IARCA

A long but wonderful day: 

I made a commitment to Father Tomás Calel Calel and the Episcopal community of San Matías in Chuguexa to provide the items for the school supply list for all the first graders in the parish. Yes, the back to school materials list is an international phenomenon of great need in many places! 

Deacon Eddy Garcia, wife Gaby, Yo+ and their great kids Valeria and Sebastian packed all of the supplies into their car. The work table (pictured below) shows how many "supplies" it takes to get 17 first graders through the academic year. 

Two hours later we arrived in time for San Matias’ gratitude mass in which we all offered thanks for the many blessings God had given us in 2017. Among those counting their blessings were young David and Kewin who, thanks to the Children of the Americas, are walking as they never had before. There was a huge group of young people celebrating their First Communion too. 

After a lovely homemade lunch it was time to give the smiling students their packages of school supplies. I’m sure there’s a future president in the crowd! Deacon Phyllis

The "first graders of San Matias" parish, diocese of Guatemala, IARCA .

First Communion at San Matias parish, Chuguexa

A very Happy New Year, 2018 at San Matias

School supplies delivered!

Thanks be to God and mil gracias Deacon Phyllis, Deacon Eddy and the diocese of Guatemala, IARCA and the diocese of California, TEC