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 communities, and believing in the power of opportunity.
We are deeply thankful for the children who arrive at school each day ready to learn, even when their circumstances are challenging. They come with smiles, curiosity, and resilience, eager to engage with their teachers and classmates. Board member and Treasurer Al Davis visited the Escuela Comunitaria David LaMotte in 2023 and will return in February with a Rotary Club group. He shared, “I am grateful for the dedicated teachers at the Escuela Comunitaria David LaMotte for their caring and professionalism teaching kids in both Spanish and their native Mayan language, Tz’utujil. Witnessing the impact these educators have on the children and families of the small village of Tzanchaj was inspiring.”
As we reflect on gratitude, we are thankful for the chance to support children and teens in Guatemala as they learn, grow, and thrive. We are thankful for their families and caregivers, who recognize the power of education, trust their teachers and program leaders, and believe deeply in their children’s potential.
Board member Julie Liptak captured this beautifully: “When I think about my trip to Guatemala in 2018, I cannot help but be thankful for the open hearts that all the kids and their parents showed us wherever we went. Their love spoke across any language difference and reminded me that, in the end, love is spoken from the heart.”
We are also incredibly grateful for the supporters and friends of Senderos who give so generously. All those who contribute funds, sponsor events, purchase beautiful Guatemalan items, donate in-kind gifts, perform at benefit concerts, or volunteer behind the scenes. Because of you, a small organization like ours can make a significant, life-changing impact for youth in Guatemala. As Board member Rod Douglas shared, “I am thankful for Senderos supporters because we literally could not make any of this happen without each and every one of them. Our supporters choose Senderos in addition to or instead of many other important organizations making a difference. Every financial supporter helps local parents and leaders create ‘pathways to success’ for their children, leading to brighter futures.”
David LaMotte, who founded Senderos (then called PEG Partners) with Deanna LaMotte in 2004, said that he is deeply grateful for the work of the Board and director, Sarah Robinson Bryan. “The team is so invested in creating pathways and possibility for these children, and they have grown the organization and taken it to a level that I could never have imagined in my early days of doing this work. I’m beyond grateful for the ways they have actively nourished this dream.”
And of course, we are profoundly thankful for the outstanding teachers and program leaders. Their dedication, compassion, and shared love of learning illuminate everything we do. They love the kids, and it shows.
As we move through this season of gratitude, we carry with us the joy and privilege of being part of a community, both here and in Guatemala, that believes in hope, education, and opportunity. For that, we are truly thankful.