Senderos News

Raise your hand if you’re retired, will soon be, or wanna be! My hand is up, too. Shortly after my husband, Rod, and I retired, we moved to Western North Carolina.  And it wasn’t long after we got settled that I began wondering — what am I going to do for my second act? As… Read More →

by David LaMotte Sometimes, when I speak publicly about our work in Guatemala, someone will ask a particular question: Why work in Guatemala when there is so much suffering right now here in our own community? It is certainly legitimate to ask, and I have heard the questions enough times that I think it deserves… Read More →

We asked Sharon LeDuc, an Asheville resident, Senderos supporter, and proud member of the Rotary Club of Asheville, to share her thoughts about why she supports Senderos. (pictured 3rd from the right, back) “After three visits to Senderos-supported programs in Guatemala, I speak truth when I say that I experienced beauty, hospitality, gratitude, and hope… Read More →

“My name is Martín Ramírez Ixbalán. I’m 9 years old and in first grade at the David LaMotte School.” Martín was born in Panabaj in 2016, the oldest of three brothers. Life took a difficult turn when his father became ill. Despite every effort, the family could not afford the medical care he needed, and… Read More →

Sometimes it’s easy to think about our work in terms of programs, schedules, or budgets. But every once in a while, something happens that pulls us back to the heart of it all: real people, with real challenges and real breakthroughs. That’s where we met Daylin Priscila Alvarado Vargas. Daylin was coming to the Brillaguate… Read More →

– By Ashley Alvarez I was eight years old when my love for music first awakened. I wanted to learn guitar, and thanks to my school music teacher, Ms. Sara, I discovered the FUNDIT music program in El Tejar. I’m from Parramos, just a short distance away, and without much hesitation, I began a musical… Read More →

By Sara Morales From October 11th to 18th, we had the incredible opportunity to travel to North Carolina to participate in the LEAF Festival at Lake Eden. This trip was more than a performance—it was a week of cultural exchange, teaching, learning, and sharing music with people from around the world. We worked alongside fellow… Read More →

It’s that time of year when we, as Board members of Senderos, pause to reflect on what we’re most thankful for. When we look closely, we realize it always comes back to the people. The heart of our work in Guatemala is found in relationships. It’s people caring for one another, showing up for their… Read More →

What a remarkable year it has been! We’re celebrating so many milestones across our programs: • Six Brillaguate scholars graduated—a tremendous achievement and a testament to their hard work and determination.• Eighty-six students in El Tejar dove into the joy of music through the after-school program and more than 100 preschoolers experienced the gift of… Read More →

What is it like to grow up as a child in Guatemala? At Senderos, we often hear this question from supporters who want to better understand the lives of the children we walk alongside. The answer is layered—filled with both joys and challenges, with moments of play and learning, but also responsibilities and obstacles that… Read More →

Every year on October 1st, Guatemala celebrates Día del Niño—Children’s Day. It’s a joyful holiday dedicated to honoring the youngest members of society and recognizing the importance of protecting their rights, nurturing their growth, and celebrating their creativity. Across the country, schools, families, and communities come together to remind children how valued and cherished they… Read More →

As the year comes to a close, we celebrate the incredible achievements of the 2025 graduating class from the Brillaguate program. Brillaguate provides vital support to young students, helping them overcome financial and personal challenges to achieve their academic and professional dreams. Through dedicated teachers, program directors who serve as mentors and create a supportive community, and financial aid, these programs not only help students stay in school but also foster personal growth and strong friendships…. Read More →

Here’s a peek at who’s helping with Senderos’ work behind the scenes. At our annual retreat in July, the Board of Directors elected a new Treasurer. Al Davis (pictured on the far right) is a Senior Wealth Advisor with Focus Partners in Asheville. He started Davis Financial Planning, a tax and financial planning firm in 2010… Read More →

“Sarah and I have just returned from Guatemala on our annual ‘open’ trip, and we are feeling re-inspired by seeing the difference Senderos is making firsthand, and spending some rich time with our Guatemalan friends”, said David LaMotte, founder of Senderos. “If you’d like to join us next year, we will be heading back July… Read More →

Since 2016, Senderos has had the joy of partnering with Mars Hill University through a meaningful and growing connection with the Chaplain’s Office. What began as a single trip has evolved into a deep, ongoing relationship rooted in learning, service, and community. Over the past nine years, Mars Hill has taken seven trips to Guatemala,… Read More →

Collaboration and partnership have been the cornerstone of Senderos’ work for the past 20 years. The partnership between Escuela David LaMotte and the AppFire team is a prime example of how working together, we can achieve so much more.  In 2022, AppFire, a leading software development company, helped the David LaMotte school in Tzanchaj achieve… Read More →

We are overflowing with gratitude to everyone who attended Songs for Senderos on April 5 at White Horse Black Mountain! Thanks to your incredible support — through ticket sales, donations, raffle entries, and purchases of handmade Guatemalan goods — we raised an amazing $22,232, including $6,000 in matching funds from a generous anonymous donor. We had set an ambitious goal… Read More →

In the town of El Tejar, the heart of Guatemala beats to the sound of the marimba, and for one student in the music program, this instrument has become the rhythm of his life. Carlitos (little Carl), as we still call him in the Program, began his musical journey at the age of eight. He… Read More →

On Saturday, April 5, David LaMotte, Kat Williams, and David Wilcox will perform in a benefit concert for Senderos. All proceeds from the event will benefit the programs that Senderos supports in Guatemala. Enjoy handmade crafts from Guatemala, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, amazing music, and complimentary Guatemalan finger foods. The suggested ticket price is $30,… Read More →

Over 120 donors helped raise $18,132 in February! … Read More →

Escuela David LaMotte is one of three primary projects that Senderos supports, along with many smaller ones. Nino Tecún, a local Maya man who started the school, asked David for help in funding the construction of a one-room school house, and then, as a surprise to David, named it after him.  The school has grown… Read More →

We were so excited to gather with friends in Asheville in October to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Senderos. Alas, Hurricane Helene changed our plans. Due to storm damage, facilities weren’t ready to host us, and we all agreed that our attention should be focused on local aid and healing in the aftermath of the… Read More →