Photos — Helping Hands Latin AMERICA

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A Chance to Change a Generation

When we first arrived in Nicaragua in 2006, we quickly realized how different life was from what we knew. Safety was a daily concern—most families lived behind tall walls topped with barbed wire. Our home, however, was protected by little more than a loose fence. After a generator was stolen from our back porch while we slept, we knew we needed help.

That’s when we met Armando José Mejía.

Armando came to work with us in July 2007, the same month we moved to Nicaragua. He was hardworking, joyful, and deeply loyal. He helped care for our property and later became an essential part of Greg’s factory operations—someone we trusted completely, a true right-hand man.

During that time, Armando met Karla, and the two fell in love. In a culture where formal weddings are often considered a luxury, their decision to marry was meaningful and rare. Greg had the honor of officiating their wedding. Soon after, they welcomed two beautiful children into the world: Sandra and José Carlos.

Years later, after we left Nicaragua, Armando’s life took a difficult turn. Through a series of unfortunate choices, he became entangled in addiction and ultimately fled the country, leaving Karla to raise their children on her own.

But this is not just a story of hardship—it’s a story of hope.

Through our longstanding connection with Nicaragua Christian Academy (NCA), we knew there was an opportunity to invest in something greater. We felt called to support Sandra and José Carlos—not just with education, but with the kind of foundation that could transform their future, their family, and even their community.

In 2014, Sandra began her journey at NCA as a Pre-K student. Today, she is thriving and entering the 9th grade. José Carlos followed in 2017 and is now entering the 6th grade. Both have grown into bright, resilient, and faith-filled young people.

Their mother, Karla, is a devoted single parent. With the help of her extended family—who run a small ice cream shop in the Los Cedros community—she faithfully provides for daily needs like food, uniforms, and school supplies. Despite limited means, her commitment to her children’s future has never wavered.

Now, we are asking for help to continue what has been started.

Annual Tuition Needs:

Sandra (9th Grade): $6,860 (We have received a generous donation and this year for Sandra is paid in full!!)
José Carlos (6th Grade): $6,355
Total: $13,215

These costs include tuition, fees, and access to the resources needed for a full academic year at NCA.

We believe that investing in these two lives is more than supporting education—it is planting seeds of faith, leadership, and transformation that can impact generations.

If you feel moved to be part of their story, we invite you to give.

To donate, please visit:
https://helpinghandslatinamerica.org/donate

Thank you for considering this opportunity to bring hope, stability, and Christ-centered education to Sandra and José Carlos. Your support truly has the power to change a generation.