* T ANSLATION For decades, the Alvarado family served as English and Spanish translators for countless mission trip teams in Panama. Freshman Anayansi Alvarado, the youngest in her family, began translating alongside her older family members ·when she was 14 years old. "Every summer, different groups and churches come to Panama, and I would translate for them," Anayansi said. '·I translate because I want to help people. I see a lot of people changed by going on mission trips ... my brothers were the ones who started translating, and I followed along." Anayansi's brothers, alumni Isaac and Raul Alvarado, Jr., worked with her as translators since their teenage years. Isaac said Anayansi's enthusiasm encouraged him to become a better translator while working to help further God's kingdom. "Out of my older brother, my younger sister and I, my sister started translating the youngest," Isaac said. "Seeing her outgoing personality and proactiveness while translating for and connecting with different mission teams motivates me to be more creative and excited about working for God's Kingdom." Anayansi's father, Raul Alvarado, Sr., served as a pastor in California for 16 years before the family moved back to Panama where he served as a pastor in Panama City. Raul organized and translated for many mission trips, including medical missions. Harding alumnus Caleb McCurry, who worked alongside the Alvarado family in the springs of 2013-2015, noted their father's dedication and service as a translator. "Being in Panama for over 15 years, Raul, Sr.'s seen the dedication of time it takes to disciple others," Mccurry said. "One cannot simply pop into a mature Christian but must grow over time. As a translator, Raul has had the opportunity to see how the Spirit transcends from one person to another.'' Fl'(·slu11c111 Anc1ycrnsi Alt•c11·aclo hey(ln u•1,r·k11lf/ o, u ')J>un1sh E11ylish tn111slator with hl'I" older hrothers ut lht· uy<' 11/ 14. I l'holt1 IH/ Hcc·,·u Riley F H ES II .\I E :-.; IO H By Jfichae/ DeScrlt•o Harding alumna Linda Ferelle traveled to Panama in the spring of 2014 where she had the opportunity to meet and work with the Alvarado family. "Although Anayansi was not a Harding student when I worked with her in Panama, she always felt like a part of the group," Ferelle said. "Her and her family was always there to guide and worked ,vith us to serve the Panamanian people. Through their gift of translation, Anayansi and her family were able to help us overcome the language barrier in order to serve as one team." Anayansi said her father's dedication as a translator greatly impacted her life. She said she saw the power of God while serving as translator for many mission trip teams. "It's a blessing to be born into a family of translators," Anayansi said. "God saved my life, and I see myself doing this for many more years to come."
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