Four rows of teens sat on the floor, eyes focused on the teacher before them. Each boy and girl held a notebook and pencil in their lap. There are small posters on the walls around them designed to help during their studies. The room is new, but the teens are growing comfortable quickly. The solid… Read more
One of Back2Back Cancun’s tutors, Ersy, stood in front of the crowd at the graduation ceremony. “This next student,” he hesitated because of emotion, “will always have a special place in my heart. Melania*, come on up.” The crowd clapped enthusiastically as Melania made her way up front to accept her diploma. She gave Ersy… Read more
Three older girls run up to Matt as he gets out of his truck. “When is the next family fun night?!” they ask excitedly. He laughs, “Not this weekend, but soon!” They run off to finish their math lesson, and Matt smiles to himself as he follows behind. Since December of last year, Back2Back staff… Read more
Heaven’s* head was bent low over the familiar, lined paper. She carefully ran her pencil across the page, then chose a crayon before adding in the color. Two other children looked over her shoulder in curiosity. “Hey, Heaven,” one of them asked softly, “when you’re finished, can you draw a photo on my sponsor letter?”… Read more
Malachi* walked through the house calling out Sarah’s* name. He poked his head down hallways, into the kitchen, and knocked on closed doors, but he couldn’t find her. He went outside and stood beneath the open windows of the upstairs. “Sarah!?” he yelled, and her head popped up above the balcony railing. “It’s time for… Read more
On Children’s Day in Mexico, the Community Center of Tres Reyes was bustling with activity. Superheroes greeted the children as they entered the community center and were split into several small teams. “Children from all Strong Families Programs were invited to the celebration,” shared Rodo Arguello, Back2Back Cancun Director. “A new relationship with a local… Read more
“He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing.”Deuteronomy 10:18 Field Story by Hope Garcia, Monterrey I love oatmeal cream pies. Full of saturated fat and hydrogenated oils, they’re not exactly healthy, but so tasty! As one of six children living on a bike… Read more
Stephen headed towards Blessing’s house and prayed about the conversation he would have with her family. Blessing, a young girl newer to attending Igmin Kibe Education Center, recently took a test to determine grade placement at her new school. Before she attended Igmin Kibe, Blessing was in the sixth grade. Blessing’s test scores at the… Read more
The boys filed into the room with wide eyes. They recognized their beds and personal items, but their surroundings looked unfamiliar. What was once a dark grey room with murals all over the walls, was now bright with fresh paint, welcoming the boys home. “The boys’ room always made me think of institutionalized living,” shared… Read more
Everywhere you looked at the community center, you could see groups of teens busy at work. One group was picking up trash, another was setting up tables and chairs under the palapa. A few girls worked on decorating, while another group wrapped gifts and made personalized nametags for their guests. Inside the community center, a… Read more