A group of impoverished women teaches us strength

Despite their challenges, most of the women remain upbeat

They know that, as little as they have, it could be much worse outside of their community.  Videos of the women and children show happy, bright faces and waves of hello to the people they hope will see the video in the United States. Even fair complaints about absent husbands in the U.S. have a wry humor.

“Hi ______” one woman shouts happily at the camera to a woman in the U.S. she suspects to be her husband’s new girlfriend. “I hope he is treating you better than he did me!”  The gathered women laugh.

Despite their common efforts, the women here remain desperately poor. The effort allows them to survive (not a forgone conclusion in Guatemala) but little else. New clothes come from second hand bins via donations. They often struggle for each days meal. School supplies and clothing for their kids are a significant burden.

Gloria Nicolasa Aj Pacaja-Cachajil is one such woman. A friend from previous visits to the village, Gloria has several children for whom she struggles to provide. Her daughter, María de Jesus Arce-Pacaja, is one of the difficult stories of Granada. While very young, Gloria’s daughter developed severe hydrocephalus. No matter where you are, hydrocephaly can be a devastating condition. In Guatemala, it can be far worse.  Fortunately, Maria’s condition received surgical treatment early enough to save her life. The extra fluid in her head did cause a swelling of her skull and created her unusual appearance, but it was caught in time to prevent crippling effects to her brain function. She speaks well, has a sunny disposition and, though she has some balance and sight problems, otherwise seems a normal, if a bit shy, little girl. She does not, however, go to school.

 

The last time we spoke with Gloria, 18 months ago, she told us that she was reluctant to send María de Jesus to school, as she still had balance problems and often fell. Combined with the sometimes cruel teasing of the other children, she felt it might not be in her daughter’s best interest to attend.  Now things have changed. While she now wants Maria to go to school, she simply can’t afford it.

“Now I don’t have a house, and only a little to eat.” she said. ” Backpack, notebooks and things for school are too expensive.”

Inspired by the Women’s Efforts

As always, greeted with handwritten signs and big smiles, AMEDICAusa’s arrival here in Granada was warmly welcomed.  Of course, pictures with old friends and discussions about everyone’s well being were the first order of the day. The women, proud despite their limited means, always press a gift on us as well, usually something grown or made in the village, elote (cooked corn on the cob), home grown squash and the like. This time we are treated to a bushel of fiercely spicy fresh peppers.

Our last mission trip here was part of a program of women’s and children’s health education, when AMEDICAusa brought several volunteers from an American health project to teach prenatal and early childhood health practices.

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This time we brought a truckload of donated women’s and children’s clothing and, as a special gift, rare toys for the villages’ kids.  Our next visit will be a school supply mission to provide the basic educational supplies that are otherwise difficult or impossible for the women to afford. Each time we visit, we also take a small gift of rice and beans for each family. It isn’t much, but at least for one day they do not have to worry about where their next meal will come from. 

In addition, between regular program visits, AMEDICAusa’s Vice President Silvana Ayuso stops by frequently to check on the community’s well being and pass a little time with her friend, Doña Elsa. 

“I really admire these women.” said Ayuso. ” Their strength and organization has gotten notice from as far away as the Government in Guatemala City.”

That is a difficult feat in a country where poverty is always the rule, rather than the exception.