A Family United In Service
Dear friends and supporters,
This post is dedicated to sharing with you about the Babarczy family. Over the decades, our kids have been involved in different capacities with the ministry, and today we are so blessed and delighted to have them all involved in the continuing work of Hearts in Action. From their different settings around the world and each with a career, they generously give their time to the work of this ministry. We are excited to share with you some of the ways our family is serving and supporting the mission here in Guatemala and internationally. Each of them brings unique gifts and passions to the work of bringing hope, spiritual training, jobs, and education to children and youth.
Meet Jez
From Houston, Texas, our son Jez plays an important role in our ministry as the chairman of the Hearts in Action board of trustees. Jez has had a fascinating journey—from writing, recording, and performing music for audiences around the world (with a couple of his songs even earning Latin Grammys!) to building and running one of Houston’s premier creative agencies. His work has helped brands stand out and connect authentically with people. He has also co-founded multiple ventures across technology, culture, hospitality, and environmental conservation.
Today, Jez continues to bring strategic vision and innovative thinking to Hearts in Action. He is especially passionate about Festivalores, an educational initiative in public schools that builds character development and strengthens children’s spiritual growth and core values.
Beyond his leadership, Jez is a devoted husband to Luisa and father to Giada (16) and Luca (11), instilling in them the importance of community service and making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
Meet Tarali
Our daughter Tarali, based in Norway with her husband John Magnus, exemplifies the global reach of our ministry. As a high school administrator, she brings exceptional organizational skills to Hearts in Action, managing administrative tasks and will soon begin connecting directly with our donors and ministry friends. You might even receive a call from her one of these days!
Together, Tarali and John Magnus are raising their three wonderful teenagers—Lineah (17), Elliot (15), and Aiden (13)—to understand the far-reaching impact of compassion and service.
Meet Eliza
Rooted in the heart of Guatemala, Eliza embodies entrepreneurship and compassion. As co-founder of Itza Wood, Eliza travels extensively—from the lush jungle, where Itza Wood products are thoughtfully designed and handcrafted, providing employment to dozens of local artisans, to Guatemala City, her showroom in Antigua, and major design and trade shows throughout the US and Europe.
Her creative vision and passion for sustainable economic growth have recently inspired her newest project: partnering with her mother to develop mobile libraries using converted school buses. This innovative initiative aims to bring books and essential learning resources directly to children who need them most. Stay tuned for more news on this impactful effort addressing literacy challenges in rural areas.
Our continued commitment
We want you to know that together we remain steadfast in our commitment to transforming lives in Guatemala—one child, one youth at a time. Your ongoing support makes this work possible, and we are deeply grateful for your partnership in this mission.
With heartfelt thanks,
The bus transformation
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