Angela
- By Cathy Mathwig
- Published 05/25/2007
I wanted to post a quick blog before I head out to Quetzaltenango this weekend. Common Hope arranged a visit with the family I have been helping through the sponsorship program. My visits with the family the last three years have always been a highlight of the time I have spent here, so I wanted to share a little on how it works.
Common Hope arranges the visit and tells me what time to be at the project. Rosalinda came with me to help take photos and also to help me with the language. Once at the project, for $30 I purchase a giant bag of food and other staples for the family including rice, beans, pasta, butter, oil, and many other items. The bag is extremely heavy, filled with probably $80 of food in the US.
The social worker that has been assigned to Angela's family, has been accompanying me on all my visits in the past. Again, he is there to carry the bag and arrange the van that will take us to the coffee farm where they live. This is one of the largest coffee farms in the area. Angela's family is Mayan and her father and mother work the farm. The van was a little late this day, so we didn't have as much time at the farm as I had hoped. I will be going back, so this was ok. Steve wasn't there this time to help entertain the kids, which actually made me a little nervous!
The van dropped us off along the main road into the farm. We walked down a dirt road with a few cows that were making the trek with us. As soon as we turned the corner to Angela's house, I saw two heads poking out the metal gate. She and her brother came running down the road and she gave me a huge hug! Angela looked great this visit, though she is the smallest 10 year old I know. She had on new jeans, a new top and her mother had done here hair for her. Everyone was pretty excited!
When I got to their house and took a seat, I noticed the Grandmother was present. This was the first time I had the opportunity to meet her, so I walked over and introduced myself. She was a stunning Mayan woman, as sweet as my Great Grandmother Peterson! Everyone was happy; the kids had a blast with all their new things and Mom was thrilled with the Bath and Body products I brought. Soap is a big deal down here and anything that smells that rich is difficult, almost impossible to find or afford. They love Bath & Body products, so I always come down loaded with that stuff! I filled the plastic easter eggs with candy for the kids and made Mom chief over the big bag!
Bath & Body Products...
Angela thought it was pretty funny that Mom was to watch over the candy.
Mom taking over the candy.
Angela loved her new diary. I had written a note inside, but asked her to wait to read it until after I left. I had written it the night before on paper and asked Rosalinda to correct it before I wrote in the diary. If she takes to heart what it said, she will have some hope in her dreams as she continues school. Her sister, who is 13 years old, was really into the Simon Says game....the 8 year old brother, he loved the Etch n Sketch! They all loved the sidewalk chalk.
The kids were pretty excited to see what all was in my backpack!
Angela with her new diary.
Teaching them Simon Says....
Showing them how to use Etch n Sketch.....shaking it to make the picture disappear was their favorite part!
Sidewalk chalk....Mom loved this one!
We watched as the Grandmother fed the chickens that seemed to know to come home at 4pm, filing in one at a time. I spoke with Angela about many things; her favorite subject in school, if she had a new favorite color, a boyfriend and what she might like to do when she grows up.
Interesting this trip, was the Grandmother! She seemed to really understand what I was trying to get Angela to realize...I asked how much school Angela had left. The social worker began telling me that there was about six years, with the possibility of two additional years if she had interest. The Grandmother then jumped in the conversation, spoke a few sentences which I did not catch. The social worker explained to me that she told Angela once she finishes her education there, she will be able to go on to University.
I couldn't believe it! I smiled at Angela and asked if she would like to go to University? Her eyes got big, like she had never thought about it....she said, "Si!" With that, the Grandmother spoke another sentence which I did catch..."all things are possible Angela, if you work hard." I found out this trip that Angela was doing very well in school after struggling her first year. I was so happy for her because she seemed to really open up this visit. She is a beautiful, very shy little girl and this time, she appeared much more alive with hope. I have to believe it is through the program with Common Hope, that she has been able to brighten up so....
Before I left, we took pictures of all of us!
I explained I would like to take the entire family to the market one day to buy things they need. Everyone was pretty excited about the trip to the market, though Angela and her sister still cried when I left. I gave Mom and the Grandmother a hug saying Dios te Bendiga. You can't help but cry when you leave them. This day is always so special for all of us. I am glad I am going to see them again soon for a day of fun!
For the first time, my Mom is using her passport to come visit me the first week of June. I am saving this trip to the market so she can join us that day!
Until next time,
cathy