40-year-old Marta came to Mayan Families several weeks ago for medical help.  A baseball-sized growth just below her knee had become unbearable, and she didn't have the resources to get medical help.  We were able to get Marta's growth--which thankfully was not cancer--removed, and she is recovering nicely.  Her family, unfortunately, is still struggling.  

She and her husband, Jose, have four children.  They live in a very remote area where jobs are scarce, and all 6 people are supported on the little money that Jose can earn by collecting and carrying heavy loads of firewood, or working in the fields.  Even when he finds this work, which is only about twice a week, Jose earns just $4.50 for a 10 or 12 hour work day.  $9 a week is not nearly enough to feed 6 people adequately, so it is incredible that Marta and Jose have managed to keep their oldest 3 children in school up until this point.

Unfortunately, Marta's recent medical problems have forced Jose to miss some precious days of work, and the family's situation is even worse than before.  The three older kids, all in elementary school--Ashley (#1852), Alan (#1853), and Maykelin (#1854)--need sponsors to continue studying, and the baby, 8 month old Luis (L72), needs a sponsor to become a part of our milk program!  If you are interested in sponsoring any of the kids--elementary sponsorships are $180 per year--please contact christine@mayanfamilies.org.

The Mayan Families office served as a delivery center last week, as we handed out nearly 700 food baskets for Semana Santa, or Holy Week, which is an very important holiday here in Guatemala.  Thanks to your incredible generosity, there are almost 700 families that were not only able to celebrate without hunger, but were able to participate in the food-based traditions that surround the holiday, like making hot chocolate and eating sweet bread.  These baskets are always profoundly appreciated by the community here, and we'd like to pass their thanks on to you: Thank you!!

These baskets are a wonderful opportunity to get some much needed food, and a message of caring, to those in need.  Mother's Day is coming up soon, so we'll have another chance to fill bellies and brighten faces before too long!