Child in Guatemala
 
Visit our blogView our videos on YouTubeVisit our blogFind us on Facebook    Follow us on Twitter
In This Issue
Sewing Project Changes a Life
Baby Needs Epilepsy Treatment
Norma is Running!
Support Mayan Families
Monthly e-Newsletter
February-2011

Greetings!

 

 


Sewing Project Changes a Life

Rosario with some of her products 

Rosario's life has been changed because of her participation in the Sewing Project. Before she participated in the project in 2007 she did not how to sew using a machine, she used to do all of her sewing by hand and she spent a considerable portion of her small income buying the aprons that are a part of the traditional dress in San Jorge.  The instruction she received from the project complemented Rosario's desire to learn about sewing. With the sewing machine that she received from Mayan Families, she started to make things for herself and her children, saving the money she would have spent to buy them.  In addition, she started her own business in Panajachel, selling aprons, shirts, and bags.

 

She is happy to have participated in the project and gained sewing skills.  She says with pride that now she is able to give each of her four children a little bit of money every day for food when they go to school. She attributes this accomplishment directly to having participated in the sewing project because with the knowledge she gained, she gained the confidence to start her own business.

 

The sewing project is an income generating activity aimed at helping women to help themselves. If you are interested in donating your time or funds to this project, please visit www.MayanFamilies.org/SewingClasses.


Sebastiana Needs Epilepsy Treatment

Sebastiana

Sebastiana is just 14 months old, and she has been suffering from convulsions for half of her life.  Doctors have told her mother, Teresa, that they are most likely caused by epilepsy, but her family can't afford to get her the brain scans needed to rule out other possibilities, which would cost $477.  Nor can they afford the anti-seizure medications that doctors prescribed to try to help Sebastiana right now, which costs $20 for a bottle that lasts only about a week.

  

Antonio works every day to support Sebastiana and her sister, Griselda, 4, but his earnings are not really enough to pay rent and keep food on the table, much less help his daughter through this illness.  To help Sebastiana's parents get her the care she needs, go to Donate Now, and make a donation for FA113 in the 'Other' box.

Norma is Running!

Norma's sister, Blanca, has been a huge help

to Norma's progress.

We got to see something really amazing a few days ago at the Mayan Families office--Norma Mucun, the little girl with special needs that MF donors have been providing with physical therapy for the last several months, was walking on her own, and even running around on the grass with her older sister, Blanca.  

 

As recently as this past fall, Norma was

Thank You! 

hospitalized for malnutrition because her mother failed to care for her properly.  She was transferred to the care of her grandmother, but when she started therapy a few months later she could still hardly sit up by herself or roll over.  We saw a difference in Norma's personality after just a few therapy sessions, but I was shocked today to see just how far she's come!  Thank you so much for your generous support in this case--it has truly made an incredible difference in Norma's life. 

 
To make a contribution please go to our website
http://mayanfamilies.org/DonateOnline
and go the General Donation section to send a donation.
If you would like to pay by check please send your donation made out to Mayan Families to:

Mayan Families
P.O. Box 52
Claremont, N.C. 28610
 
In 2011, as thousands of children and families have their dreams come true, it will be because of you. 
Thank you for your kindness!
 
ABOUT US:
Mayan Families is a small non-profit group working in the Highlands of
Guatemala. We are a registered 501(c)(3) Non Profit Charity of the Internal Revenue Code. .
Your donation is tax deductible.
 
P.S. Please help spread the word by forwarding this e-mail to your community or posting it on your personal blog, web page and your social networks such as Facebook, You Tube, MySpace, Twitter, Hi5, Blogs and any others that are appropriate.

Please follow Mayan Families on
 Visit my blog
 Find us on Facebook
 View our videos on YouTube
Follow us on Twitter
Mayan Families Connection Blog
Visit our blog
Hope for the animals Blog:
Visit our blog
Elderly Care Program Blog:
Visit our blog
Family Aid Blog:
Visit our blog
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/mayan_families
 If you would like to join a Yahoo support group that assists Mayan Families please click here!
Google BUZZ
Link to our current and past Newsletters

Are you a Rotarian or a member of another service club?  We can partner with you on projects to enhance the rural communities we serve. 
 
To ensure receipt of our emails, please add dwight@mayanfamilies.org  to your Address Book."
To signup for our E-mail Newsletters please go to:
http://www.mayanfamilies.org/EmailSignup.aspx
Thank you once again for supporting Mayan Families!
Sincerely,
Sharon Smart-Poage
Mayan Families
www.mayanfamilies.org
Tel: 619-550-2608