Guatemala 11-07

Mid-November I was in Guatemala again. This time I went on my own for personal reasons and ended up staying a few extra days to take advantage of the fact that I was already there and get some work done. When I am working in the field I spend a lot of time visiting the different homes and meeting with their administrators. Sometimes I have the opportunity to spend time with the children and hang out for awhile, but usually I am running around all day long and we do not have much time to play.

I gather the photographs and letters necessary to maintain our sponsorship program and to cultivate the relationships between the children and their sponsors. I also speak to the home administrators about the support we are providing and if there are any other needs that we might be able to address.

I like to spend time getting to know each home and understanding their biggest struggles. This allows us to customize projects and support to meet their most desperate needs. We do not send cash directly to the homes. We send support in the form of staple food items, goods, furniture, clothing, school supplies, cleaning products, personal hyigene items, etc. on a regular basis. So understanding each individual home and their needs helps us to complete that support with projects and specific donations.

The situations of the children in our supported orphanages throughout Latin America and the Caribbean are different than our stereotypical idea of Orphan Annie. Most of these children are not orphans in the sense that both of their parents are deceased. The homes that we support play the role of foster home, nutritional rehabilitation center, long term child care, as well as orphanage. Most of the children are brought to live in the homes merely because their families are suffering from extreme poverty and are unable to maintain them. Many are from very poor families who do not have access to proper nutrition, health care, or education. These children come to the homes and are not only taken care of, but also receive the opportunity for a quality education. Some children are the victims of mistreatment and abuse, while others are temporarily residing in the homes until the courts determine custody and guardian issues.

The children are amazing and beautiful. Its so difficult to hear their stories and hear them talk about what they have all been through. We are so truly blessed here in the United States. So much of what we have we take for granted. These children talk about getting their first pair of shoes the way our children talk about getting their Playstation 2 or their new Ipod. There are 12 year old children in first grade classrooms because it is the first time they have ever been to school. Its just amazing and inspirational to spend time with them and learn more about them.