My Operation Obligation Journal

This one, is one of my favorites!!

Marcos is very excited to have his new clothes and hats! He even put the soccer shirt on over his school shirt!

Who wants to help build Oscar a house?

The more I thought about it, it would be easier to tear their house down and rebuild a nice, sturdy block home.

Who's with me?

If you can send a donation for food to any of the three sponsored children - please let me know ASAP.

All you have to do is go to: http://www.mayanfamilies.org/food.htm

Click CONTRIBUTE on the Mayan Families Website.

A contribution of $65 will provide a month's supply of basic food items for an average size family.

A contribution of $125 will add poultry and meats to the basic one month supply.

When contributing, please make sure to email Sharon - sharon@mayanfamilies.org and let her know that the money for food should go to one of our sponsored families.

Student Number: 605 (Rafael; view information about Rafael here )
Student Number: 594 (Oscar - on my heart the most right now; view information about Oscar here )
Student Number: 592 (Marcos - having his cement floor put in on Friday, his dad will be off of work that day... view information about Marcos Here )

We raised just over $1,000 worth of books for the children in Guatemala. The books will arrive before Christmas!

This Friday, Marcos and his family will have their new floor! We will have photos soon! Marcos' dad will be there to help install the floor.

I'm so excited!

Update! We have raised over $600 in books for MF.... and we will be receiving 50% more books for free! This is a total of $900 in books so far!

~~~happy dance~~~

So far, we have "raised" just over $350 in books!

Let's keep going, once we reach $500 in book sales... we will have 50% more given to the kids in Guatemala for FREE.

http://www.nutsaboutbooks.com (click MAYAN FAMILIES)

Here's an update on the plans for the cement floor ((for Marcos and his family)):

I have contacted Sharon, and have had her okay to start a book fair to raise books to send to Mayan Families. Mayan Families will donate the books to schools or children in their area as they see fit.

The book fair begins today, and ends on September 27.

If we can sell at least $500 worth of books, we will then receive 50% in books for free.

Please check out the efair by clicking HERE . You will see MAYAN FAMILIES listed on the right side of the page. Click that link and then continue to shop.

Please pass the word around! Pass the word around. This is your chance to help send books to Guatemala, with no shipping charges to you. I will pay shipping costs in the upcoming shipment! Books start out as little as under $3 a piece on our wish list.

People can either buy books for themselves (and have them shipped to their own homes), or if they click MAYAN FAMILY WISH LIST - those books will be shipped to my house, in return I will send them in the next shipment.

:)

Here's the link:

http://www.nutsaboutbooks.com - be sure to click on MAYAN FAMILIES under active efairs.

Here it is past midnight, and I sit. Lights on, TV on, fan on, air conditioner on, computer on and connecting to the internet.

I just finished looking at the photos I posted earlier of Oscars home.

Am I spoiled? Yes, it makes me sit and think - since I have all of these luxuries, I should do two things.

1. Turn everything off and go to sleep, it will save us a little on the electric bill.
2. I can write this, and urge you to donate something to Mayan Families.

Here are new photos of Oscars home...

Just passing this along....
______________________________________________

As we all know, food costs have risen dramatically in Guatemala (and everywhere else). In the past it had been estimated that nearly 50% suffered from malnutrition there, today I hate to even think about how high that percentage may go with these prices still on the rise and the scarcity of corn in recent months.

Along with education, good health is a necessary tool to help fight the cycle of poverty. Please consider the gift of vitamins as this shipment will surely arrive to MF in time for the holidays.

We now have a packing date for our Boston mini shipment in October so I'd like to throw a reminder out to anyone that would like to donate vitamins to their students & their families or for general distribution that now is the time to order.

This will be the last vitamin shipment for 2008. I will need to go out of town at the end of September so I probably should say that the 20th is the deadline. To donate a bottle of 1000 tablets costs $25.00 which covers all shipping too.

To donate for general distribution, donations in any amount are always welcomed.


What I will need:

$25.00 per bottle (1000 tabs). You can pay via paypal to dogpatchgreens@... or contact me for my address to send payment.

Student NAME and NUMBER

Please remember that you should expect all members living in the house to share these. You can find those living together listed on your student's page and divide 1000 by that number to know how long they should last (children under 4yrs. 1/2 tab daily). MF will instruct the families about safety and dosage.

Thank you again to all that have participated in the past vitamin shipments, together we really can make a difference!

Sue
www.dogpatchgreens.com

Sharon, from Mayan Families will be sending a couple of quilts my way to try to sell in hopes of raising money for their general fund. Actually, she asked that a small percentage would to go their general fund... and that we could use some of the profits for our three sponsored children.

I have decided to donate 70% to the general fund, and 30% to our sponsored children.

The reason:

Mayan Families general fund is always in need of extra money. For example - Mayan Families had three families come to them this week with medical emergencies. They need money for their medical fund, as well as other emergencies.

I feel that it is important for Mayan Families to be able to help when a serious issue arises. I have personally visited Mayan Families and believe 100% with my whole heart that they use the money correctly. I have no reservations about donating to Mayan Families. They help many people, their business office is small and modest - nothing fancy. The workers of Mayan Families are busy from sunrise to sunset - they do not have fancy clothing or cars.

So, everyone - I hope you will be behind me in this. :)

I will not keep ANY of the profit from the funds raised in the quilt fundraiser.

I will be selling candy bars locally to help raise more money for Mayan Families.

My son starts football this evening, what a great place to start! :)

Marcos doing a little project - July 2008.

I can't wait until he has his new clothes in the tote I sent him!

Well, it must be very muddy right now in Guatemala. It's the rainy season. I feel really sad seeing Marcos like this, he's pretty dirty and has a runny nose.

He is happy though, he and his friends received new Beanie Babies!

The quilt is on it's way to Aaron and his wife! Thank you once again. :)

I am SOOOOOOOO excited! Marcos and his family are going to have their cement floor - courtesy of Aaron and his wife!

I'm sending out their quilt tomorrow morning!

This is going to make such an awesome difference in their lives! AWESOME!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

He's just too cute, he is so proud of his report card - and he should be!

Here are a few photos of the quilt. The quilt is queen size, it is beautiful! I bought it from a boy who was about thirteen years old.

Recently, I was informed that we would be able to send boxes to our sponsored kids. I have the boxes ready to go, as a matter of fact - I used totes, so the families could reuse them. I've been praying about what I should and should not send, money has been very tight - yet I feel like God does not want me to go without giving to our sponsored kids this shipment. Besides, who I am to say money has been tight - when our families go hungry... I can honestly say we have not had to go hungry. I feel that most people who live in America can find food someplace.

When visiting Guatemala, I actually watched as children would sit on the sidewalk hungry... crying in hopes that they will come across someones scrap food that evening.

• Clothes Line & Clothes Pins
• Bar Soap
• Jeans and shirts for the boys
• A doll for Marcos' sister - I noticed while visiting, her doll was missing a leg and it was naked
• 2 Hot Wheels for each boy
• Bubbles
• Sketch books, construction paper, glue, markers, pencil boxes, pencils, pencil sharpners, crayons
• Socks & Under ware
• Paddle ball games
• Toothbrushes & Toothpaste
• 3 Bags of Candy in each tote (I know, it kind of counter acts the toothpaste lol)
• Ballons
• Photo albums with photos of the families and us with the families
  
• Dishtowels
• One big bath towel each
• Hair brushes
• Mickey Mouse Puzzles for each

I'll be auctioning off the handmade quilt I bought in Guatemala. I love it, but feel so guilty having it - knowing I can sell it to put the money towards our students!

:)

I'll let you know when, and I'll let you know the ebay link when it's ready. :)

So, are you wondering why I'm pouting?

Today, I've thought so much of the boys we sponsor in Guatemala. I am just sad that they have to live in total poverty. I'd bring their whole families to come live with us in a heart beat if I could!

I really need to come up with the funds so that two of the boys can have a cement floor put in their homes, and Oscars family needs a bed... Marcos and his family need a table.

I just started making jewelry, so I think I may try to sell a few pieces.

I received photos of Oscar today, they are terrific! I notice he's wearing shirts in both pictures that Candy sent! :)

Have you ever noticed that Oscar, Rafael and Marcos wear the same two outfits? This is because they cannot afford anything else.

Also note that only very poor families wear "American clothing." Most families who are doing "okay" have traditional clothing.

Well, I thought that Oscars - sisters sponsor had purchased a stove for his family... but, I was wrong.

As soon as I found out they did not have a stove - we scrounged for the money, and purchased one for them.

As you can see, not only does Marcos need a cement floor - Oscars family could use quite a few things as well.

Also please note - FINALLY we have a photo of Oscars father in this photo. He is a VERY hard worker...

Ah, looking at this photo of Marcos holding a picture that he colored made me really tear up. He's such a special kid - that whole family is really special to me!

We need to raise about $2,000 for our sponsored families to purchase items they need - such as tables/chairs/cement floor/electricity etc....

If you have any fundraiser ideas - please let me know. :)

I am going to try setting up an online fundraiser. :)

I'll keep you all posted. :)

Also, if you'd like to make a money donation - and would like it to be tax deductable - please go to http://www.mayanfamilies.org - make sure you write a note that says you'd like the money to go to one of our sponsored students fund. :)

I sent money today for three Fathers Day baskets to our sponsored children... (total of $90)...

Student #:
592- “In Loving Memory Of Grandpa Harold Harrington”
592- “In Loving Memory Of Grandpa Charles Jensen”
605- “In Honor of Grandma Harrington”

Here's an updated list of what our families could REALLY benifit from:

Oscar #594

They need a bed, a closet, a table and four chairs,
and a cement floor. They also need a small kitchen built. and of course, food.

#592 Marcos

They need a cement floor , a large table and four or five chairs, traditional clothes for the little sister, she is not wearing the clothes from her village but second hand clothing from another village. An traditional outfit for her would be approx. $70.
I am sure that they would appreciate food as well.

#605 Rafael. Their greatest need would be to have the electricity connected.
a table and four chairs, build a small kitchen and of course, food.

While in Guatemala - we had a price quote to cover a cement floor for Marcos, the cost is between 300-400. I am waiting to hear about how much it would cost for Oscars home, as he lives near Pana - and I'm wondering if it will be cheaper because his home is not on a mountain side.

If you'd like to make donations to help these families - please go directly to http://www.mayanfamilies.org/ - when making a payment, be sure to include a note as to what the money should be used for. If you'd like to donate to me, you can do so - but please note it is not tax deductable - however, I will collect money and pool it all together to purchase bigger items (like the floors).

A good amount of food is about $45-65 per family.

You may read a couple of things that Mayan Families wrote about our trip here:

More Photos of Visitors with El Tablon Students

Patti Meets Her Sponsored Students

FYI - to make a tax deductable payment for our sponsored families - please go to http://www.mayanfamilies.org - donate to the food and milk program. Please be SURE to note in the payment that the money should go to one of our sponsored students,

Our student numbers are:

Student # 592 MARCOS - Sponsored by The K family & friends

Student # 594 OSCAR - Sponsored by The K family & friends

Student # 605 RAFAEL - Sponsored by The Katter Family

A contribution of $65 will provide a month's supply of basic food items for an average size family.

A contribution of $125 will add poultry and meats to the basic one month supply.

I have seen first hand the amount of food given; and it is a very good amount of food... after visiting Mayan Families and seeing how the organization works, I can honestly say that Sharon is NOT in it for the money. She truly is in it to help others. Her house is fairly small, and she has taken homeless into her home - she has taken stray animals into her home to help save them (they are literally skin and bone when going into her program to begin with)... I feel confident that our families ARE getting what we have sent them.

We sponsored all three families to have food for a month when we went to see them. This was the week of May 10-17.

It would be great to read Daphnes blog in conjunction with mine. :)

Click HERE.

View photos of our trip HERE.

It is just past noon, and hopefully we will have a day of rest. I am going to get into my Bible... as I have not really been able to do that as much as I wanted while I was here. We were busy pretty much from sun up to sun down. We go home tomorrow. I cannot wait to see my family. My husband is awesome, and I cannot wait to tell him about everything and to post photos for everyone.

Remember the market I told you about yesterday? Well, here is a story of something that happend today at the same market...

Imagine this...

A peaceful market where people are just trying to make a living.

Three gang members come in to the market, demanding money from a vendor at the market.

The market vendors do not want to put up with this.

All of the members in the market decide to do something about three gang members.

The vendors strip one of the gang members down to his under pants... and beat him.

The other gang member is taken to the middle of the market and torched.

This is a true story and happend just yesterday.

This my friends, is how they keep gang violence to a minimum.

Last night we did not sleep well at all. The hussle and bussel on the road in front of us did not stop until wee hours of the night. Finally after midnight I think I fell asleep. My son and I did get into bed around 9pm, after sitting in the lobby in wooden rocking chairs. We were able to talk to each other for about an hour, we had great conversation.

Oscar, Rafael and Marcos all get along great with my son. Soccer is truly a universal language, I have seen it first hand myself.

At 8am, Mayan Families picked us up at our Hotel. We stopped along the way to pick up bread and juice to hand out at the El Tablon School. We went to a market where ¨gringos¨were not the norm. The market smelled strongly of fish and chickens. There were many markets, with Guatemalans selling jewlery, fruit, clothing, food and more. The market is located on the side of a very large Catholic church. We went up to the church gate, and observed two old women, most likely homeless... along with a stray dog eatting garbage.

The driver to the van we were taking to El Tablon School picked up bread while we walked and took photos.

We met back at the van, and headed to the school. Upon arriving to the school, children ran to the van to greet us. They were very happy and jumping with joy.

We delievered many books (thanks to Daphne), orange juice and bread. The school has about 85 children in it. Each child came through and gave us a hug and said thank you. I told every child I hugged, ¨Jesus loves you.¨

I took many photos and my son video taped.

After visiting El Tablon School, we went to see Marcos and his family. This in itself to me was an incredible journey. Marcos and his family live just about in the middle of no where. They live up a mountain, that is VERY steep. The path is narrow. It was very hot, and we should have brought more bottled water with us.

Upon arriving to Marcos house, we were out of breath. Marcos mother wiped down an old plastic chair for me to sit on. I was not worried about making my clothes dirty, as they already were... I dont know if I have ever been as dirty as I am at this second. As I type, I smell. LOL. I smell like children who have not bathed in clean water, I smell like chickens, dirt and sweat.

Marcos house is simple. They do need a cement floor. This will help the home from feeling so damp. The cost to put in a cement floor will be between 300 and $400. This will be my next fundraiser when I get home.

I think I might have mentioned in my blog, we bought food for all three families, the food will last about a month. This will help very much so.

Today I found out an amazing thing, all three of the families we sponsor are in fact Christians.

Rafaels mother and I ended up crying together today. She spoke to me today for about five minutes and I understood every word she said. We did learn something about Rafaels father. He is not dead. He suddenly has resurrected. Okay, maybe not... but here is what happend. Rafaels father left the family, he has a severe drinking problem. Rafaels mother told Mayan Families he was dead so that the family could receive help. At this time, I do not think it is wise to purchase beds or anything else for Rafaels family, as I am afraid his father will sell it so he can fund his drinking habit. Rafaels mother is trying to leave the father.

Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

I have numerous photos to share with you all upon returning back home.

We are in for the night, it´s a new day tomorrow and we have much more to do.

I forgot to tell you about the one ¨boy¨who was not pleasent. Someone on the street wanted us to buy a piece of jewlery. Saying no, he was not happy. He said he did not eat all day long, breakfast lunch or dinner and he needed to eat... however, someone on the street had already warned us about this teenage boy, I guess he is not very happy and will not leave you alone until you buy something. We did not give in, we did not buy anything and he did leave us alone after we ignored him... that´s all.

This is something not uncommon here, every where you turn there are people who have not had a good meal in days, sometimes longer than that.

However, I will say... everyone else has been very kind. Very compassionate... every wonderful.

This morning started very early. We went to the Hyper Piaz in Guatemala City. We were able to buy our sponsored students soccer balls. We went back to the hotel to find a guard holding a double barrel shot gun. He had a shirt that said Wakenhut on it. I am not sure if he actually worked for that company or not. He had a bullet proof vest on the outside of his shirt.

We quickly went to our rooms, packed up and the shuttle arrived at our hotel at 10am. We loaded the shuttle up, and the three hour ride began. We stopped for gas one time.

Guatemala is a very poor country. It is dirty, and filled with smog... yet, I have met the most beautiful culture ever. Everyone thus far has been very loving and kind... except for one I will tell you about later in the blog.

As we drove up to Mayan Families... there was a large block wall with a door in it. I was not sure what to expect. As we rang the door bell, a couple of young boys answered the door and many dogs. 21 to be exact.

We were able to meet Sharon, who has been wonderful... as well as a few other who worked for Mayan Families. They served us a delicious lunch of rice, beans, plantations, chicken, and other Guatemalan food. So far, we have not been sick...

Soon after eatting, Oscar and his family arrived. Hunter was loving every second. Oscar and Hunter played Soccer for quite a long time... Hunter gave Oscar his soccer ball right away. We also gave the family blankets and clothing Candy sent. I am POSITIVE these items will be used and very much appreciated.

Next, Marcos... his mother and his brother arrived. I was so surprised to meet them... as I did not think I would be meeting them until tomorrow. We will be going to their home tomorrow. Marcos arrived VERY happy to see us. It was like he knew exactly who we were. He ran up to me, and gave me a hug... he was jumping because he was so excited.

Mayan Families is not a Christian Organization... they did not tell Maros and his family we were Christians. The first words out of his mothers mouth were, ¨Christ sent you to us... thank you, thank you, thank you. Christ is wonderful.¨

At that point, I began to tear up, but nothing major. lol... I tried not to be a baby.

For those of you who know me, from the beginning... God laid it on my heart that I meet Marcos and his family. We found out they are Christians... they know Jesus Christ. We could even see it in their eyes.

I still have yet to learn exactly why it´s so important to be placed with his family and getting to know his family... but it is important. Not only do I know it, but Marcos´mother. I am amazed those were the first words out of her mouth! I cannot wait to go see Marcos and his family again tomorrow.

Marcos brother Carlos was AMAZED by the crayons we had. I asked him to draw a picture for me... I handed him the crayons and paper. He did not know what the crayons were. He kept asking for a pencil... we had to show him what to do with the crayons. Once we did so, he colored two beautiful pictures for us. A bright yellow house and two children playing soccer.

Marcos drew me flowers... I drew him a funny picture of myself... with a heart and I wrote my name.

After leaving Sharons (where both of our families were to meet us) we went to our hotel. Immediately after arriving at our hotel, we had all sorts of venders trying to sell us things. I did not plan on buying anything.

We took our things to our room... then, we went to have dinner across the street from the hotel. While we were trying to eat a little boy sat outside the restaurant crying. Candace (I will tell you all about her when I can, we met her 3 days before our trip, and she came with us to Guatemala, she speaks Spanish fluently)... and I went outside to ask him what was wrong. His mother did not sell anything today. I bought a little magnet his mother made, it was only $1 however, I gave him $3. To top it off, Daphne had been hauling around sneakers with her from the states... this little boy fit the sneakers, she gave them to him. He went running home as fast as he could in his new sneakers... he was SO happy.

Candace was able to witness to the little boy, he already knew who Jesus was... and we let him know that God had our paths cross.

It is almost 8pm. I am VERY tired... as is Hunter. We do not have phone service, I cannot call out... I miss my husband and daughter and will call home as soon as possible... but, that may not be until Thursday or Friday.

The area we are in is VERY poor. The internet is very slow. I will update the blog when I can. I am surprised our hotel has internet. It is very rual here. Our room does not even have a fan. I think we have 3 small lights in the room. No soap, or anything special... yet, the staff is friendly and the hotel is very clean (had to throw that in incase you are reading mom. lol)

Over and out for tonight... God Bless.

Here we are at the hotel in Guatemala City. My experience so far has been incredible. It´s been very busy... last night I slept very well. Our luggage was very heavy. When we arrived at the airport in Guatemala City, the airport was not very busy at all... so that was very good!

I am using a computer that is a bit different to use than the type of the computers in the United States. It may take a while to get used to using the keyboard. When I try to make a happy face, here is what happens... Ñ)

So, that is a little fun. lol.

Tomorrow we head to the mountains. We will be meeting our sponsored children on Tuesday. I cannot wait to meet them!

We ate at the hotel this morning. The food was different, but good. They offered black beans, french toast, regular toast and jam. They also had fruit. They offered coffee, orange juice or warm milk. I took the coffee... Hunter stuck with his bottled water.

I will write when I can.

Over and out... please keep us in your prayers that our trip will continue to go smoothly.

This morning, I was able to sleep in a little bit. Normally, I wake up around 6am with my husband. Today, we woke up around 7:45am. I had a decent nights sleep, however - sleeping away from home is never "as comfortable" as actually being home.

Right now, I am reporting from the USO club; as we are in our lay over time. I thought now would be a good time to report - as I do not know when I will actually have another time to hop onto a computer.

This evening, we will be in Guatemala. Our plans our to meet up with a family that Daphne knows of. They will be meeting us at the hotel in Guatemala... I plan on going to sleep at a decent time tonight!

My son was so funny on the airplane... I guess he does not remember riding in an airplane before. He asked questions like, "do airplanes always make that noise?"

Or, "what if the engines stop on the plane... does the plane just fall out of the sky, or can we at least glide?"

Then, before I could answer - he said, "oh yeah... never mind about my questions - God wanted us to go - we will be fine." :)

I will write when I can... we are very excited about our trip!

Today - Daphne, the children and I left for the hotel near the airport. We had to drive quite a ways (about three hours). While we were on our way, we drove by a little homemade ice cream stand. The children tried homemade peach ice cream. They really enjoyed it.

My son did not eat ice cream, as he had a snack in the van... however, he had fun feeding Daphnes children.

After checking in to the hotel, we went to find a restaurant. That did not pan out, as we discovered we were pretty much in the middle of "no where land." We ended up driving back to the hotel and eatting there. The food was good. I had a salad and Hunter had a large chicken sandwich.

After dinner, we went to the airport to check in early. The airport was pretty much empty, and we had no waiting in line. I am glad we went this evening.

It is almost 9:30pm. It's time to hit the hay. :)

ZzZzZzzZzzZz

His smile says it all... :)

A big thank you to a wonderful friend of ours... no posting names (as she has asked in the past) - but I do want you all to know that a very special friend of ours has given us $300. She said, "it's either a late birthday gift, or an early Christmas present..." I couldn't help but giggle. :)

I was so surprised & shocked yesterday, as that's when the card came in the mail.

Thank you SO much! :)

Well, it's official. We are packed and ready for our trip. My van is filled to the brim with items such as t-shirts, sweat shirts, denim shirts, blankets, books...

Daphne has collected so many books - her bags are VERY heavy. What a challenge it will be for us to lug those bags around, but I know it will be worth it! Her big bags are pushed to the weight limit of 49 lbs. Bags can weigh no more than 50 lbs.

My bags are not as heavy - as clothing/blankets do not weigh as much as the books... but, the bags are stuffed! I even used the bags that you suck out all of the air to make more room in your travel bags... what a great invention!

We leave very soon... I do not want to put exact dates on a public blog, but it is soon. :) I'm SO very excited!

I will be taking my little camcorder... hopefully upon return, I will be able to post a few video blogs! :)

I cannot wait to meet Oscar, Marcos and Rafael! What a wonderful experience this will be! I hope they fell the same way! :)