My name is Mauricio Rosales. I am a HELPS Community Development Region Coordinator. I was born in the City of Guatemala, am married, and have a daughter with my beloved wife.

Three years ago, HELPS International gave me the opportunity to work in the Community Development Department. For me, it has been an opportunity to serve God by working to develop my country with the help of volunteers from all walks of life and faiths, as well as national and international organizations that support the Integral HELPS Program (Health, Education, Community Development, and Special Projects). The Integral Program helps to better the quality of life of Guatemalans that live in poverty throughout the western highlands. Through these years, God has given me the opportunity to see how these families' lives have been changed. Their quality of life has improved, their self-esteem has been raised, and their confidence in the mission of HELPS International has grown.            

On one of our many trips to the department of Quiche, I had the chance to share a very special moment with a family from a village in Uspantan that received the Home Transformation Project.  When the volunteers and I had finished the hard work of whitewashing the walls, pouring cement floors, and installing the two stoves and water filters, I asked the father of the house to share his thoughts on the new kitchen.  He looked at us, and with bright eyes and a smile on his face said, "We aren't going to be bitten by fleas anymore because my wife will be able to sweep and mop the floor."  At this moment I felt that God touched my heart and the hearts of all the volunteers with much joy.  We were so grateful to be a part of making changes that seemed small to us but significantly improved the quality of this family's life.  The father was so happy that his family was going to live differently with clean walls, a stove to keep the smoke out of their kitchen, and a water filter.

Like this family from Uspantan, 824 family's lives have been changed in 2009 with the Community Developments teams from the United States and Guatemala.  I pray that in 2010 the Lord provides more partners, donors, medical teams, and community development teams to support the many families that are still living in poverty and poor health in my country.

I would like to thank all the people that have been involved with HELPS International throughout the years, but especially this year, I would like to thank the HELPS International Organization in Guatemala and the United States, as well as the national and international donors.  I would also like to thank the medical teams, community development teams, teachers in Santa Avelina, and HELPS Staff that dedicate so much time and effort working for our beloved native people in rural communities.

I pray eternal blessings to all the good hearts that have been part of HELPS International.  Happy Holidays.