Celebrate!

Hello Family and Friends!

We have so many wonderful things to announce!


Manuel took the Accuplacer Test (an English proficiency exam) in early March, and he did very well!


Due to his awesome Accuplacer scores, Manuel has been officially accepted into Century College starting in August! Woohoo! We are so proud of him. He will begin in the ESOL program (English for Speakers of Other Languages), and will later transition to academic courses.




To add to the excitement, Manuel was recruited by the Century soccer coach! While most players have to go through an extensive try-out, Manuel's skills got him automatically in! The Century soccer team is highly ranked nationally, and we are looking forward to cheering Manuel on at his games!




Manuel started taking extra English classes last month through Moundsview School District. On Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday nights he attends classes from 6:00-8:30pm, and remember that this is after his normal 8-4 classes! He is one motivated guy!

On Wednesday nights and Sunday afternoons, he plays soccer!

And the rest of the time, he studies!

Manuel is in his last session at Global Language Institute! His graduation day is April 22.


Manuel received an outstanding letter of recommendation from his academic advisor at Global Language Institute. Here is an excerpt from it:

" Manuel has been required to present various projects during the oral communications courses, all of which have shown a high level of organization and preparation, as well as good English language ability. Manuel shows an eagerness to work well with others in group projects and is always respectful to other members of the class. We can always count on Manuel to be well-prepared for class and to frequently ask good questions. 

In his writing and reading courses, Manuel has improved throughout his time at GLI due to his hard work and effort in and out of class. Manuel works to his highest potential every day and has been consistently able to apply new vocabulary and structures in his writing assignments. He has made good progress with his reading comprehension skills too. 

We firmly believe that Manuel is a bright and enthusiastic individual who will perform well in any educational environment. He is highly motivated, and always ready to take on new challenges. We feel certain that Manuel will continue to show his qualities in his future endeavors. "

Manuel learned all about the tradition of dying Easter Eggs!

Natalia and Manuel love cuddling together!

Natalia is pretty much Manuel's biggest fan! 

Tio Manuel is a highly desired playmate by both kiddos!

Our family Easter picture

Florida!!

Hi everyone!

Here is a quick post to show you some pictures from our trip to Florida! I had so much fun! It was very nice to feel the sun again and to wear shorts. I am thankful to Grandma Cashman for giving us such a nice vacation. It was hard to go back to all the snow in Minnesota!

Thanks,

Manuel

Relaxing in the sun in Florida on a vacation.

Playing with Natalia!

The best sandcastle ever!

Deciding the water wasn't quite warm enough...

Enjoying the sunset

A Successful First Session of School

Greetings!

Manuel completed his first English session at Global Language Institute! Matt, Manuel, and I met with his academic advisor at the end of the session to touch base on his progress. She only had positive things to say about him. She noted that he is a very motivated and hard working student, but of course, we already knew that! Manuel's teachers have seen an increase in his confidence as he is asking more questions and in general speaking more English in class.  After school Manuel spends a few hours each night studying including reviewing vocabulary, working on papers and presentations, and preparing for quizzes and tests.

Besides going to school and studying, we have been busy! Manuel has braved our outdoor hot tub even succumbing to a dare to jump out and roll in the snow. He has joined a competitive soccer league, which is a nice chance for him to be active and meet new people.  We are all enjoying going to the Spanish mass at St. Odilia, and Manuel is increasingly becoming involved in the community there. And of course, he spends lots of time playing with Eli and Natalia!

We have started the application process for Fall 2016 semester at Century College. Manuel will be attending an open house tonight as well as meeting with an advisor there. While we are still considering other community colleges, Century seems to be a good fit for Manuel. He has already made a connection with the head soccer coach there!

Thank you for your continued support!

Manuel experiencing his first big snowstorm.

Appreciating Minnesota's beautiful nature despite the cold!

Manuel on his first day of school at GLI. He was a little bit cold and nervous!

First Week of School!

Hello friends!  

I have been enjoying my past few weeks here in Minnesota, learning about a little bit of everything.

My first Christmas in Minnesota was very exciting, because I got to know so many people, and got a lot of presents!  I felt a lot of care and appreciation of me from each one of the people I met.  Although there have been many changes, like new food, new experiences, and new ways of living, I already feel comfortable here!  I love ice skating and sledding, and I discovered that I really like salmon, and the many different kinds of salads and fruits here.

I started an intensive English program at Global Language Institute this past Monday.  The first day was hard, with everyone only speaking in English, but I am already feeling more relaxed and confident.  Although it is hard, I am up for the challenge!

I am going keep studying hard, and will update this blog in a few weeks when I finish my first session of English.

Thank you all so much for your confidence in me and your support and care,

Manuel

A Minnesota Christmas!

Woohoo! We are excited to announce that Manuel has safely made it to Minnesota! Rachael and Manuel arrived late Monday night from Nicaragua to a beautiful snowy Minnesota evening. Manuel has been spending the past couple days taking in all the new sights, tastes, and sensations, and getting to know our extended family. He is eager to experience his first "white" Christmas!

And none of this, and the many adventures to come, would have been possible without the amazing support from all of you! We continue to be full of gratitude for all the love you have shown us and Manuel. Thank you!

School starts January 4th for Manuel. We will send an update how the first day of school goes!

Merry Christmas!

First airplane ride!

Check it out!

Manuel's F-1 Visa was Approved!

Send Manuel to College!

Welcome to our blog!

Manuel Cantillano is a dynamic, dedicated, and kindhearted young man, whose dream is to get a U.S. college education! Matt and I have mentored and cheered on Manuel over the past decade as he has grown up at Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos orphanage in Nicaragua, and we have seen his strength of spirit and perseverance; Manuel has been at the top of his class every year, and is a natural leader and talented athlete. Now Manuel is 19, has graduated from high school, and will finish a year of service to NPH in December.

This fund is to help pay for Manuel to go to college here in Minnesota, starting in January 2016! Every penny will go straight to his school (tuition, books, and fees) and health care costs. Matt and I will provide Manuel with a home, clothes, food, airfare, transportation, etc., and support him in every way we can. However, we need help paying for his tuition and health care!  Our goal is to raise enough to cover his first year and a half: one semester of intensive English at Global Language Institute ($5,965), followed by one year of community college (≈$8,500), plus health care/insurance (≈$150/month).  Any funds that we don’t use in the next year and a half, or any additional funds we may raise, will be held for his next year’s tuition.

We need to raise at least $12,000 in the next two weeks: the US Department of State requires that we prove our ability to fund his education when we apply for his F-1 Student Visa on September 1^st.

Manuel has taken full advantage of every opportunity he has been given, and we can’t think of anyone more deserving of this opportunity! Any amount is very much appreciated. Click on the link to donate:

http://www.youcaring.com/manuel-cantillano-409380

Thank you all!!
Rachael, Matt, Eli & Natalia Sebold

Manuel playing soccer.

Manuel and Rachael at the orphanage.

Eli has always loved Manuel!

Manuel teaching Humberto how to cook!

Playing with Eli!