Carlos, former COTA stateside patient, graduates in Guatemala

The following is a message from Sharon, Founder and director of Mayan Families in Panajachel, Guatemala.

Today Carlos is graduating from 6th grade! Many of you will have met Carlos if you have visited.
Carlos speaks fluent English. He was taken to the U.S. by our friends from  COTA, some of whom are members of this group.
He was electrocuted when he was 8yrs old and severely burned.   He spent long periods in the U.S. getting treatment for his injuries.  He is now 20yrs old and still suffers from results of these injuries. He lost half his foot. He has terrible ulcers on his leg which COTA team members treat him for when they come. ....and we also try to keep it under control with medical treatment here.

He is so excited to be graduating today.   Carlos works in our carpentry workshop and he is really doing a great job. Michael, our wonderful, long term volunteer who oversees the carpentry workshop has done a great job teaching Carlos how to be a professional. Michael was supposed to attend the ceremony today and be the one to present the diploma to Carlos..( Carlos has no family here) but unfortunately, Michael's 88 yr old mother had a heart attack and Michael went home to be with her for Thanksgiving.   So it is my honor to be able to go to the graduation ceremony and present the diploma to Carlos.
Sharon