Tuesday SOL 11/14/17 - Guatemala 2017 - Part 3 - The People

Since we were working at different sites each day, we didn't have the opportunity to get to know those we helped.  But, we did find out their stories, which really break your heart.

The people we helped are too poor to qualify for a Habitat home.  Habitat has definite requirements for qualifying, one being that they have a job that will enable them to pay the loan on the house.  The people we helped were agricultural field workers - in their own fields - using the majority of the produce to feed their families.  The rest they would sell at market.

Even though these families couldn't afford a house, Habitat Guatemala is providing them with smokeless stoves, latrines and water filtration systems to enable them to live a healthy life style.

We found the families to be very proud of what they did have, which was minimal.  The houses were made of adobe blocks, dirt floors, and metal roofs.  The area surrounding the house was swept clean, dishes were scrubbed, and clothes washed.  The kids and adults were clean in their dress and always smiling.  The adults were shier than the kids, especially when it came to picture taking.  I've included some pics of our families.







All of the kids loved to color and were thrilled when we pulled out the candy.  This last picture was of a family of 11 living in a three room hut.  As you can see the kids feet are bare but they had no problem getting around on the hard rocky ground.  They all stood and watched as we built their stove, as the one they were using had one area for a pot to cook.

This is when I wonder if our one week can truly make a difference in the lives of these families.  They feel blessed to have a new stove and were delighted to have us work with them.  It also makes me realize how much we in the United States take for granted.

Next week, our cultural day.


Comments

  1. bohemiotxNovember 14, 2017 at 9:43 AM

    As a fan of Maya civilization and Mexican culture, I knew I'd enjoy reading an article about Guatemala. I visited Monterrey, Mexico 20 years ago. Their choice of walls for houses was mainly cement blocks or stucco. This led to a grammar example sentence in my Subject-Verb Agreement chapter section. I'm glad to hear there's a Guatemala Habitat program. We have a Tyler Habitat for Humanity here in East Texas.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousNovember 14, 2017 at 10:27 AM

    There is so much we take for granted in this country. I don't think you ever have to wonder if you are making a difference in the lives of the people you help, You are!

    ReplyDelete
  3. bohemiotxNovember 14, 2017 at 11:11 AM

    Thanks a bunch. My main volunteer activity is with the Transportation Cmte. of East TX Human Needs Network (ETHNN). I've arranged 5 bus field trips with lunch, wrote a few articles,and get an annual trip to a conference for 5 years.

    ReplyDelete

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