VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT ON KIRSTI!
And all she has brought to Fatima Children's Home and Guatemala!
Kirsti's daughter Lily
Kirsti Shields, a resident of Honeoye Falls NY, first visited Guatemala in 1999 where she was struck by the rich heritage of the country and by the kindness and warmth of the people there. Seventeen years later, she was determined to share the experience with her 15 year-old daughter Lily. While researching non-profit organizations online, she found Guatemala Aid Fund and connected with Bethany, founder of the organization.
“I had contacted some bigger agencies but the immediacy and warmth of the reply I received from Bethany—offering all sorts of amazing information about the history of the Home (Fatima Hogar del Ninos) as well as of the care system in Guatemala—and the availability of the Home’s staff (Laura and Pedro) to answer questions impressed me from day one. It made for a friendly, human connection.” This reassurance led Kirsti to proceed with her visit to Guatemala to see firsthand the loving, vital commitment to bettering the lives of children in need.
Once there, Kirsti was very impressed with the level of care and respect provided within the home. She and her traveling companions enjoyed a tour of the Home then spent time engaging directly with the children – playing in the garden, helping with snack, reading stories etc. and even accompanied the children and staff on a field trip. “Our first trip was exhilarating, inspiring and profoundly moving. My every encounter with the wonderful people of Hogar Ninos Fatima was extraordinarily positive. The Home is clearly just that—and the love of the Home’s staff for the children shines through in every interaction. It was refreshing to be in a place that was both so professional and at the same time providing a feeling of great intimacy and accessibility—we were made to feel so welcome.”
“I had contacted some bigger agencies but the immediacy and warmth of the reply I received from Bethany—offering all sorts of amazing information about the history of the Home (Fatima Hogar del Ninos) as well as of the care system in Guatemala—and the availability of the Home’s staff (Laura and Pedro) to answer questions impressed me from day one. It made for a friendly, human connection.” This reassurance led Kirsti to proceed with her visit to Guatemala to see firsthand the loving, vital commitment to bettering the lives of children in need.
Once there, Kirsti was very impressed with the level of care and respect provided within the home. She and her traveling companions enjoyed a tour of the Home then spent time engaging directly with the children – playing in the garden, helping with snack, reading stories etc. and even accompanied the children and staff on a field trip. “Our first trip was exhilarating, inspiring and profoundly moving. My every encounter with the wonderful people of Hogar Ninos Fatima was extraordinarily positive. The Home is clearly just that—and the love of the Home’s staff for the children shines through in every interaction. It was refreshing to be in a place that was both so professional and at the same time providing a feeling of great intimacy and accessibility—we were made to feel so welcome.”
