Christmas Party with San Mateo's Community

12/16/200910:56:11 PM Link 1 comment | Add comment

Guatemala

It’s hard to believe that I left Austin less than a week ago. I feel like every day is packed with a month (at least) long worth of memories. I have to admit, it is hard for me to express in words some of the sites that I’m seeing, as well as what I am thinking, because it’s hard to digest some of the living conditions of the people in this beautiful country.

One of the villages that I visited on Sunday and Tuesday is called San Mateo Milpas Altas. It is located ~15 minutes car ride, or 30 minutes by bus (about 2-3 buses a day) from Antigua. I met an amazing woman, Judith Lopez, who I felt immediately comfortable with in my broken Spanish (it helps that she is a Spanish teacher and VERY patient), just from our initial handshake and hug. Judith fought (literally, physically) with her parents, as well with social norms, to be the first woman in her village to graduate, let alone attend, University.  She studied socioeconomics, and returned back to San Mateo to use her studies to improve her own community. In 1999, she heard a knock at the door, and there were two poor children, asking for food and a place to sleep. Judith and her husband, Juan, opened their doors to these kids, and haven’t closed it since. Prodesenh was created, now helping over 120 children in a day, as well as the adults in San Mateo, to support and improve their education, life skills, and living conditions.

Many of the children are orphans living with Judith and Juan or with neighbors or relatives. Some have at least one parent, but are unable or unwilling to care for their own children. Financial burden, alcoholism, lack of education and resources are common reasons these children are neglected at home (and school). Many of the parents are not available, either because they are seeking work, or they are alcoholics (prevalent of fathers in the rural areas). However, if and when the fathers return home, many are physically, mentally, sexually, verbally, and emotionally abusive to their wife and children. Many of the children and woman go to Prodesenh to find solace and love.

This past Sunday, Judith and Juan invited two American volunteers from South Jersey, USA, an intern from Quebec, Canada, and I to attend their Christmas party. There were about 60 children, from infants to 13 years old, and about 10 adults from San Mateo all sitting in a room, probably no bigger than my living room back in Austin. Not only was it warm and cozy due to the tight sitting quarters, but you could feel the warmth and love between the children, Judith and Juan. I would have never imagined that I could spend over 5 hours in a roomful of 60 children, but for some reason, time flew by, and I everyone had a great night. The children were so well behaved, eager for the next performance, enthusiastic to hold our hands, and listen to Judith and Juan emcee the program. They put on a whole production--with songs, poems, dances, games, piñatas, gifts, food, and a Christmas play. The children’s smiles were from ear to ear…my smile was spread across my face!

Jay Stailey

12/17/20098:37:45 AM

Amazing. What a group! What an opportunity! I bet your mind is spinning with possibilities and dreams. You are fast moving up on my personal heroes list.