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Three students and a teacher from the Spanish Immersion program at Jones Elementary traveled to Guatemala on a “family team” with Caroline’s Promise, a non-profit ministry based in Kernersville that seeks to “reclaim hope for orphans.”

The group takes needed supplies to the children, but its overall mission is to educate the community about the needs of orphans, provide $3,000 grants to Christian couples in North Carolina who are adopting, and to minister to orphans worldwide through humanitarian aid and short-term mission trips.

“My favorite day was when I met Jose. He is a 4-year-old little boy that lives at Eagle’s Nest Children’s Home. I was so happy that I could speak to him in Spanish. I loved playing puzzles and helping him get dressed. I learned that I need to be nice to people and try not to argue with them. The saddest part of my trip was when I had to leave Jose. I wish that we were still there!”

—Cameron Holbrook, 7, second grade, Jones Elementary

“This was my fourth trip to Guatemala. Every time that I go God teaches me something new. This year He taught me that my prayers make a difference. He used two events to teach this to me. Two years ago I met Kenia, an orphan who is blind, deaf and unable to walk. She is 3 years old now. I’ve been praying since then for God to give her a family. When I saw her at the children’s home this year I was excited to see her but very upset because God had not answered my prayers. She was still in the orphanage. But during the trip we learned that there is a family that wants to adopt her! Now we are praying that the government will allow her to come home to her family in the U.S.

“The first Sunday we were there we attended a church service and the pastor asked me to interpret the entire service for our mission team! I was nervous. But my mom prayed with me, and God helped me do it.

I learned that God will answer my prayers. It can be right away like at the church service, or two years later, like with Kenia. But my prayers make a difference!”

—Kendall Holbrook, 10, fourth grade, Jones Elementary

“My trip to Guatemala was very fun. I learned to value the school and the education I am receiving. Some kids in Guatemala don’t get to go to school at all and are left to sell goods on the street. I cannot imagine living that way. Those who do go to school truly value the chance they are given to learn. I haven’t always treasured the freedom I have been given to go to school. I haven’t always had the best attitude when it comes to homework but now I think that has changed for me. I am thankful to go to a school where I learn Spanish and now I am able to communicate to anyone in Spanish-speaking countries. I want to learn more so I can go back and share with them about Jesus!”

—Taylor Polson, 9, fourth grade, Jones Elementary

“On this trip I learned many things. My most encouraging lesson as a teacher was how truly valuable a Jones education really is! This is a small world, and it was amazing to see my students in action! The children from Jones were able to communicate with the people of Guatemala effortlessly! They were able to relate to the people culturally, in Spanish, without any bias. They spoke English, Spanish and the international language of love. I am thankful to God for this opportunity!”

—Diana Saavedra, first-grade teacher, Jones Elementary

“I had such a wonderful experience in Guatemala. We saw so many amazing things, and the fact that I was there with my daughter, Taylor, made the trip that much better. She had never experienced a place where there was so much poverty. I watched her closely waiting to see her react to things the way I expected her to react. Instead, she had her own way which showed me how strong and faithful she is becoming. I expected to see her cry more because that is how I reacted to the things that I saw. She told me that she couldn’t let the children see her sad because they seemed completely happy. If they saw the sadness in her face then they might become sad.

I found myself being inspired by my child while I was in Guatemala. She is just a tiny, 9-year-old but she has a huge heart! Because of her experience at Jones Elementary, Taylor was able to communicate effortlessly with the people. I had the language barrier because I don’t speak Spanish, but Taylor was able to connect in a way I was not. I have thought so much of the children of Guatemala since our return to the States. They will be in my prayers forever.”

—Beth Polson, parent