Serving in Guatemala: May 2009

Serving in Guatemala

In February 2008, we moved to Guatemala, Central America, to live out our dream to help the poor communities living in this developing country. It is difficult to leave our family and friends but we know that this will be a decision that we will not regret.

Almost 60% of all Guatemalans, or 6.4 million people, live in poverty making less than $2US per day. Approximately 16% of this number are in extreme poverty living on less than $1US per day. Furthermore, more than 50% of the children are malnourished and have no hope for a better future. Reasons for the continuous poverty in Guatemala include illiteracy, lack of access to health care and low levels of education. The Arms of Jesus Children's Mission (AOJ), a private non-profit organization, has responded to this need by creating a school with specialized educational programs, meeting the daily nutritional requirements of the children, and offering social support to families. We feel very fortunate to be working with an organization that is dedicated to meeting the basic needs of the poor communities in Guatemala. For more information on AOJ, you can visit their website through the hot link on the bottom right.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Continuing the Dreams of Our Loved Ones

On the afternoon of May 14, 2009, there was a horrible small plane accident in Guatamala that killed all six passengers aboard. Amongst those who lost their lives, the directors of AOJ Guatemala - Rafael and Claudia Araneda. They leave behind five precious children ages 12 - 21.

The past few days have been a difficult period of mourning and reflection as we marvel at the wonderful work both Rafael and Claudia have accomplished after nine years in AOJ Guatemala. Through their vision and leadership, the operation in Guatemala has grown from a simple food distribution program for needy families living in the garbage dump in Guatemala City, to a fully acredited elementary school with more than 450 students and providing essential services for over 700 sponsored children and their families.

AOJ Guatemala has lost two amazing people that sacrificed personal gain and family comforts by dedicating their lives to helping Guatemala's poorest, so that they may have a chance to gain and provide comforts for their own families. Indeed, we were struck with awe when we were told that one week before their death, they told a volunteer in Guatemala that their "vision was complete". Now it is up to the rest of us to continue their vision, continue their legacy, continue their passion, and continue their hope of making sure that no child in Guatemala gets left behind and misses out on an opportunity to dream. These children can dream because two special people never stopped dreaming, dreams that will continue through the hearts of those who work in AOJ Guatemala.