Jenifer's Story
Hi there, I’m Jenifer. I’m 14 years old but I’ll be 15 on July 11! In Guatemala, 15th birthdays are a really big deal. They’re called quinceañeras. I work as a weaver every afternoon after school. It takes me a couple of months to finish one huipil, a traditional Mayan blouse. I have two brothers and a sister. My dad passed away two years ago, so now my mom takes care of all four of us. We live on a piece of my aunt’s land. It’s small, but we are happy with what we have. We take care of one another and work hard to keep going. We really like it when people talk to us about God.
I found out about Chispas of Change through Ms. Vivi, an elementary-grade teacher at Chispas. Ms. Vivi told us about the opportunity to go to school, and so my mom filled out an application, we went to the interview, and then they offered me a scholarship for the year. That’s how I was able to start studying in January.
The thing I like most about Chispas of Change is Bible class. Every day the teachers ask us questions about what the Bible says about certain topics. These questions help us to analyze and understand what we have read.
During the quarantine, what I’ve missed the most about Chispas of Change is talking about the Bible and participating in the Alpha program, which is a program where young people can have deep conversations about life and faith. (You can check it out here.)
I have learned so much this year in Chispas of Change! In the Bible, Jesus tells us that it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). I have also learned that God is the only one who gives us life, that He loves us more than anyone in the world, and that I must love my neighbor as I love myself.
Ten years from now, I picture myself graduating from the university as a physical therapist! That way I will be able to help people move forward in life. I also picture myself teaching the Bible to children and teenagers so that they can make wise choices. I want to always strengthen and unite my family, and make people smile when they feel sad.
Jenifer is currently in 9th grade at Chispas of Change. Her passionate desire to learn and help others is a blessing to each of our students and teachers. Please pray for health and safety for Jenifer’s family, and that she will shine as a bright light of God’s love and truth in her home and community.