Education is something we often take for granted, but for a young girl living in Mexico it is in no way guaranteed. Eileen Macias was abandoned by her parents when she was 3 years old. She was left in the care of her elderly grandparents when her mom and dad went to America to build a new life. Although they are still in contact occasionally, her parents never came through with their promises of financial support, so Eileen’s schooling was in jeopardy.
Juan and Loretto, Eileen’s grandparents, struggled to keep her in school as both of them battled poor health and various ailments. Loretto has diabetes and is in need of surgery on both of her knees. Making ends meet was getting harder and harder. Juan used to work at the Lord’s Food Bank as a volunteer for 20 years until he was physically unable to help, so he is on our route to bring weekly groceries to. On one of these visits, a couple from Georgia accompanying us, was struck with Eileen’s plight and wanted to help keep her in school. They started sending money each month to do that. When the money arrives, we bring it to Eileen and she keeps it carefully in an envelope, budgeting it herself and using it to buy books and pay her tuition.
At 14 years old, Eileen is very focused on school and on making the most of her education. She is a bright 7th grader and tells us, “I really want to continue studying so that I can become a doctor. I’m taking computer classes along with my other subjects now.” She is extremely self-motivated because her grandparents, due to their ages and health, can’t do much for her. But amidst her humble surroundings with the leaking roof and cement floor, she applies herself diligently to her studies, cheerfully completing all the homework assigned to her. Someone teasingly asked her, “Don’t you have a boyfriend yet?” “That’s not for me now,” she replied solemnly. “School is what’s important now.”
Eileen is not at all bitter about her parents. “Your real mother is the one who raises you. My grandparents take very good care of me – sometimes too good,” she smiled. But it’s obvious to see that the feeling is mutual. Eileen is the light and love in Juan and Loretto’s lives. They adore this vivacious and beautiful granddaughter of theirs, and it’s plain to see how much she loves them.