140 Getting to Know... Nivia Saravia

Where are you from?

Guatemala City. Now I live in Antigua, Guatemala.

How long have you been on SI staff?

I have been officially on staff for a little over a year. I grew up as an SI staff kid, though, so I guess you could say as long as I can remember.

Describe your site

Currently, I am working in a new social work site in Magdalena. At this site we are continuing to co-ordinate the child sponsorship program. We have 101 children who are sponsored by individuals and families. However, we have 78 more children we’ve targeted that still need sponsors between the Magdalena and El Gorrion communities. At our site, outreach participants will help with the on-going, multifaceted community development as well as the home visits that direct our sponsorship program. Though it is still in the developing stages, you can check out our website to see more about our child sponsorship.

What is your favorite aspect of your work?

I love to see the people of Guatemala and the students from the US come together, learn from one another, and in so doing bless each other.

Do you have a favorite verse?

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (ESV)
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”