February 2020: Well, it's been 10 years since I've updated ... and again I'm going to ask for some help for two of my families. This business was a great way to have the flexibility to single parent my two children, keep them in touch with their culture (and birthmoms), but to be honest, not a great way to make money. So I just don't have the extra $$ to contribute for some of the basics these two families need.

Next is the Valle Martinez family I've helped for over 20 years. Yes, they are grown, but one boy, Armando, has mental health issues. Schizophrenia and possibly bipolar. He was the sweetest little boy! There really aren't mental health facilities in Guatemala, so he was in a place for addicts because the family's landlord would not let him stay there after some aggressive problems. It was not a great situation for him but kept him from living on the street. His brother Omar could not keep up with the payments and had acquired a large multa (late fees).. so I just paid that so Armando could get out and try living with his father. He needs to take his medication, which is 500 Q a month, or he may get violent. His brother can't pay that on his own, and nobody else in the family is helping. He is a teacher and sole support of his sister Ileana (not really capable of a regular job and independence) and now also Dona Rafi, who lives with them. Anybody willing to help with that monthly med charge? Dental bills for really bad teeth? Even a few folks at $10 or so a month would help.

I can never provide as much as I'd like, and/or as much as they need.... So, I decided to just put this out there and see if anyone would like to help out with these two families....

Here are their stories::

Iliana, Walter, Armando and Eveyln Valle Martinez -- I've been their main support, along with their older brother Omar, for the past 7 years - ever since their mother died and left them with their alcoholic and abusive father. Their mother, Berta, had at one time worked for me taking care of Jessenia. That's how I know them. When Berta died, Evelyn was only 2 months old and was repeatedly in the hospital for malnutrition etc.... she'd get very sick, go to the hospital, get better, get out and get sick again. This family lived in very poor conditions with their father. I took the baby to live with us so she could get better. She became fat and happy and we adored her !!! (Actually, having her with us persuaded me that I could handle a second child - and shortly thereafter, along came my Tommy boy). One of the hardest things I've had to do was return her to her family. Her father insisted and she cried and cried when I brought her back. To make a long story short.. the father became more and more abusive until finally all the kids came to stay with us and were afraid of him. He said he'd go to the authorities and say I stole his children and also my two adopted children.... which is a very dangerous allegation in Guatemala. I was told to leave my house so went to hide out w my kids at a friends !!

Because the family was affiliated with a local project, Godchild (now Common Hope) they took over and the case went into the court system, and the children were sent to an orphanage, Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos, and has been a pretty negative situation for their family. The children are only allowed 3 visits annually by family or friends - on specific days so if you aren't able to make it that day you are out of luck !! They are never allowed to leave for a visit, and are allowed very limited time to see each other within the orphanage (boys and girls are separated). It was heartbreaking for me. I honestly couldn't sleep nites worrying about Evelyn. I went from being their mom to not being allowed to see them !! The oldest girl has a history of mental health issues and was told to leave the orphanage after her 18th birthday. I paid Dona Filo to take her into her family. Then she would live with us when we were in Antigua. (Finally, after two years out now she is now doing really well). The second child, Walter, ran away. I have tried and tried and tried to visit and get the remaining two out of that orphanage and with a lovely foster care family or another nearby orphanage that will at least allow them to have visitors. Nothing but uncooperation and roadblocks. (Joey and I visiting on a visit day).

Finally, it seems now (end of the year 2004) like the oldest brother is going to be able to get the last two children out of the orphanage. But they will need some additional financial help. I give Iliana and Walter some money on a bi-weekly basis. But it isn't enough, and I just don't have more extra money right now.

June 2010: Ok, It's about time I update this page.... the last time wrote about my two families back in 2004. Things have changed since then. One, many of the kids I cared for have grown up and are now able to take care of themselves, or at least need to be responsible for their own decisions. They don't live at our house anymore. I don't provide food (they often came for lunch) or a weekly allowance anymore. And, I've run out of steam. I can't do all the things I used to, however, here what I am keeping up with:

I'll just list here the folks who have over the past few years helped out: Daniel Tate, Helene Metivier, Kathy Thompson, Tom Fourre, Steve Laveson, Leslie Isenstein, Steve Northup, Warren Capps church, Charlotte Simpson, Ann Hutchins, Jamie Johnson, Nancy Bonnema, Judy Allen and if I've forgotten anyone please let me know !!!

Second family... I've also known for about 15 years now. Mother had 8 children, father alcoholic,, and when the middle girl (Monica) was about 10 years old, the mother left the four youngest in Monica's care and took off for another village to live with another man. (She's since had 3 more children with him). Again, long story short... I've provided them with clothes, money occasionally, but not that much, and when Monica was really in dire straits about a year ago, I told her to come work for me (I figured better to have her at the house on a regular basis for food etc..... than just give her money) so she comes two days a week. Now, at age 19, she has an 11 month old baby and is pregnant with her second. She is not caring all that well for her first, (when we arrived in October he was malnourished and is very small for an almost 1 year old - doesn't crawl, no teeth yet) so I've bought formula, baby cereal and I hired Iliana to take care of the baby Cristian, during the day when Monica works with us. SO.... we have a full house. I'm personally maxed... but these two families need more ...... (My Tommy with Monica's two boys - he's like a big brother to them). *** No more help here either .. way too much stealing. Monica and husband broke into my house while i was gone, stole tons however got caught by my renter. That was disappointing.