Wednesday


On Wednesday, we woke up pretty early in the morning... going to Mayan Families to give away more blankets, hygene items, and shirts. We met a lady who had just lost her vision (went blind) because of lack of medications for glacoma. She would not have lost her vision with simple medications. Her mother who is 85 years old is taking care of her blind daughter, and her grand children.

Candance met a little girl who is 8 years old. Her name is Veronica... she lives with her mother. Her mother would beat her daughter whenever she would tell her mother she was hungry. They are so poor and could not afford food. Her daughter was literally starving. The mother is ¨not all there.¨ We do not think she is doing drugs, but lack of nutrition, most likely having worms and who knows what, she could not care for her daughter. The ladies in Panajachel do beautiful work, weaving and making jewlery. They just do not have people in the area to purchase their beautiful items. The mother of Veronica, cannot find work and they have been living down by the lake outside, because they had no money for rent or food.

Candance, paid 200Q for rent... which equals about 13.75 per 100Q.... meaning about 28-29 US dollars per month for rent and gave them food for a month.

We are in the process right now of figuring out how we can help the families long term, when they do not have people to buy items they make... because they have no one to sell to... as everyone in the city is hurting for money.

Get this, I bought a table runner for a friend, it cost about $20 US... the hotel we are staying at tonight in Guatemala City sells the same type of thing for $250 US. The people in the rural areas are basically being ripped off. How can we stop this?

I have lots to think about when we get home. Guatemala is not a one time trip for me, I want to go back and help many more people.

We were able to help so many, I could go on and on about the stories of the children... sitting outside of restaurants crying because their tummies are hungry and they have no money for food. They are basically skin and bone.

Hunter gave his sunglasses to one of the little boys on the street, he was so happy... he skipped away as fast as he could with the biggest smile on his face.

It saddens me to see the wealth that goes in and out of Guatemala City, when only 3 hours away is so poor, people are dying because they lack food or very simple medications.

2 Comments:

  1. Anonymous said...
    Patti - it is so awesome what you all are doing to try to help these people. Can't wait to talk to you and hear the details! You are a special gal with special talents and a special burden on your heart - thank God for you! Keep up the good work! Been praying for your safety! Love, your sis.
    Vanessa said...
    Patti, I'm so glad to have found your blog! I too just returned home from Panajachel and I can't wait to go back! I'm more than likely going to be there again between Sept and Oct. I was wondering about the photo of the elderly woman. I think I met her on the street selling table runners! I have a photo of her on my blog!! Glad to hear you had a great time!!
    Vanessa
    www.mommyslilblessings.blogspot.com

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