June E-Newsletter Updated E-Newsletter

NEWSLETTER JUNE 2021 From the Executive Director IN THIS EDITION Dear Friend of San Lucas, Catch up on the Mission School's “Faith is… the conviction of things not seen.” new roof and expansion and meet This passage from Hebrews came to mind when I sat down to write this. Our one of many staff was slated to travel to San Lucas in June, but we postponed the trip until students who will August. The purpose of the trip was to reconnect with the Mission staff and to benefit introduce 2 new FOSL staff members to San Lucas who have not yet seen the work of the Mission. See the impact of the Women's Center Oh, we certainly know what is going on, through pictures and videos and words, classes as told by but it is not quite the same as being in the space, smelling the air after a two participants downpour or the dust before one; smelling the wood fires, the incense, the soap left in your clothes. And hearing… hearing the rhythmic slap of tortillas being Check out photos shaped by the dozens; the dogs fighting at night and the roosters crowing as the from the Kansas City night fades into dawn. But mostly, it is the people: faces tired, dirty and happy, FOSL Celebration all at the same time; old men stooped under a load of firewood; girls carrying and mark your water or scurrying to class; young couples courting in tuk-tuks (motorbike taxis) calendar for at night; women kneeling in the swept dirt weaving color into pattern, pattern upcoming events into identity, identity into pride. These are the convictions of things unseen that we carry in our hearts and our minds. We are close to returning… but, until then, keep the faith of things unseen. In hope and faith, Bill Peterson Executive Director Friends of San Lucas

Education Expands The Mission School's new roof is underway, along with the expansion of classrooms! Not only will this provide students with a much needed structural improvement to the school upon their return from distance learning, but it is utilizing the Construction Program for the demolition and creating an opportunity for a local contractor for the build! Your gift makes projects like this possible. Assistant Director of the Education Program, Felipe Baján says, \"For some years we had been concerned about the constant small repairs we had to make to the building. The safety of the children is always paramount. The work that is being carried out will greatly benefit and improve safety for hundreds of children. The expansion of the classrooms will also bring comfort and space to more effectively apply the Montessori Method.\" Here are the benefits the remodeling will bring: safety for students and comfort in learning ample space for the application of the Montessori method better lighting on the school premises to meet one of the requirements of the Ministry of Education opportunity to study in a newly designed study hall room Meet Adriel, a student at the Mission School. Previously, Adriel did not have a student scholarship. Now, because of donors like you, every single student at the Mission School has a scholarship which covers 100% of their tuition. Adriel suffers from a brain disease, but this does not deter him from working hard in school. During the pandemic, Adriel participated in distance learning. He says, \"My mom helps me with homework every day, but I miss going to school and studying with Mrs. Jenifer and my classmates.\" Adriel's mother says, \"His teacher is always in contact with us to answer any questions I have in relation to assignments and exercises. I can write a message or have a video call so that she can answer my questions and continue to support us so that my son continues to learn.\" You can support the Education Program by making your gift today. Your gift will ensure all of the students continue to receive an excellent education at the Mission School!

Women Who Work The Women's Center has been making great strides since classes reopened in February! Women returned to participate in fabric workshops, cooking classes, sewing and weaving. Classes and gatherings here create a network of motivated women within the San Lucas community who support, teach and learn from each other. Culturally, it is unusual to find a space like this in Guatemala. It has become a safe place for women to build on skills they use to increase their income and support themselves and their families. Meet two of these ambitious women below! My name is Vilma. I love sewing and the Women's Center has given me the opportunity to improve my knowledge and skills. Thanks to the training I received from my teacher and the support of the staff, I have excelled in sewing and developed stronger skills. Before, I was afraid of making guipiles (traditional woven dress), but now it's what I do for work. With the support of my family, I now have my own sewing machine and a small business of my own. I craft and sell bags and other various sewn items and this helps to increase my family's income. During the pandemic, learning new techniques was extremely helpful as I was commissioned to make masks in the community. Many thanks to the Friends of San Lucas and the San Lucas Mission for their support so that we have this space. Make your impact. Give today. My name is Juana. Since 2006, with a lot of sacrifice, I managed to buy a sewing machine that I used to make simple seams for years. At the beginning of 2019, I had the opportunity to participate and meet with different groups at the Women's Center. Since then, I have expanded my knowledge. I can make guipiles, skirts, and now modern aprons. My family understood I needed to continue learning so that I could improve my weaving and sewing, so they supported my connection to the Women's Center. Thank you to the donors and the San Lucas Mission for the opportunity they give us to learn a different trade and show that women are not only meant to stay at home. Now I can work in my house so I can sell my products and generate extra income to support my family. We know it has been a long wait to head back to San Lucas. The Visitor Program is now accepting ll applications for 2022! The health and safety of community members and visitors is our paramount lling a concern. We are continuing to monitor the impact of Covid-19 in San Lucas and adjust protocols a rs! accordingly. Whether you will visit as an individual, with family and friends, or with an organization, C isito it's time to start planning your visit! Due to the pandemic, the program will operate at a limited V capacity in 2022, so email [email protected] to inquire about available dates.

Thank you to all of our sponsors from the Kansas City FOSL Celebration! JEFF AND MICHELLE MURPHY RICH AND JEANNIE KEETON ROGERS AND PEG STRICKLAND JAMES AND ANN ADAMIC ATTIC MANAGEMENT GROUP STRICKLAND CONSTRUCTION COMPANY MATHIOWETZ FAMILY ARCH AND SUZIE MRKVICKA JANUS INTERNATIONAL BEN AND LINDA MEFFORD AEGIS FIRE PROTECTION ACUMEN/DREW AND SARAH HISS ARGUS STORAGE GOLDMAN INVESTMENT ADVISORS/LARRY GOLDMAN JACQUELINE DOHERTY CLARITY SERVICES TPP COMMERCIAL FLOORWORKS DYNAMIC FASTENER USI INSURANCE SERVICES/BOB NONEMAKER MILLER GROUP THE WESTON RED BARN FARM, PIRTLE WINERY, WESTON BREWING CO., THE FARMERS HOUSE, PLATTE RENTAL AND SUPPLY, MERCYSTREAM, PAT NORMAN, KEN DAVIDSON, AND THE WESTON CAFÉ. Photos courtesy of Ashley Barnes ash13001.wixsite.com/photosbyashley Tulsa Golf Fundraiser Save the Date July 19, 2021 October 9, 2021 Join us for the first annual Tulsa Golf Tournament hosted by Mark your calendars for this year's annual Mankato Christ the King Parish and Friends of San Lucas! The Gala in Mankato, MN! tournament will be held at the Tulsa Country Club. All are welcome! Thanks to the generosity of the presenting sponsor, Simmons and Café Juan Ana now has an online fundraising platform. By selling Kourtis, all costs have been covered, which means all proceeds our direct trade coffee online, you can raise funds for your from this event will directly benefit the San Lucas Mission. All favorite team or organization (including Friends of San Lucas) donations up to $50,000 will be matched! This includes all gifts from the comfort of your home! Our online platform offers simple, made during the event, even if you are not there in person! Check profitable, and fully customizable coffee fundraisers. More details out the details at sanlucasmission.org/news-events. about our fundraisers, including a fundraising calculator, can be found at juananacoffee.org/fundraising-page/ Your gift can be DOUBLED today. Thank you for your support! Thank you for your generosity supporting the San Lucas Mission Friends of San Lucas | 3459 Washington Drive #207, Eagan, MN 55122 | sanlucasmission.org