Elderly Info

The food crisis in Guatemala is having a devastating effect on the elderly. Without enough to eat, many older people are becoming weak and malnourished, leaving them more vulnerable to illnesses that they cannot afford medical care for. They are unable to provide for even their most basic needs. In many cases, family members are unable to help as they struggle to feed themselves and their own children, leaving the elderly without any form of support and often living in heartbreaking conditions.

Please help us bring them the life-sustaining food and medical care that they so desperately need. General donations are used to ensure that we always have an adequate supply of food, medicine, and funds for meals, necessary medical treatment, and transportation. Monthly sponsorship would help feed one person, once a day for five days a week. Via blog and web album, we'll show you exactly where your aid is going and help you get to know the men and women whose lives you are changing.

If you would like to sponsor an elderly person for $35 a month, please click here and write "monthly sponsorship'' in the Other box. To make a one-time donation for medicine, rent, or other costs, please click here and enter "Elderly Care Program" in the Other box. Any questions can be directed to Amy at amy@mayanfamilies.org


Media on Mayan Families Elderly

Book:
Ancianos : Megan Gette + photos by Rob Bain, Nisa East, Rhett Hammerton and Hiroko Tanaka

Videos:
Mayan Families- Ancianos Stories : Nisa East

Mayan Families Elderly Feeding Care Program : Rhett Hammerton

Facing Hunger: Elderly in Rural Guatemala



Nov 5, 2010

Pedro Gets His New Home!

Pedro on his new chair in his new room
Thanks to the help of so many people, Pedro moved into his new and fully furnished home this week. It was a huge surprise for Pedro--At first he didn't even believe it! And when Pedro understood that this really was all for him, his reaction was enough to bring the entire room to tears (3 Mayan Families staff members and volunteers were present, along with almost a dozen neighbors). Pedro was overwhelmed and more lit up than we've ever seen him. He thanked everyone effusively, laughed, cried, and prayed.

Surprise! Breaking the news to Pedro
From left: Pedro's new landlord, Pedro, Ronnie
(an Elderly Care Program volunteer)
Pedro's initial reactions

You already know what kind of a place Pedro had been living in--Almost anything would have been an improvement. But with your donations we got enough for a lovely home. Pedro now has a comfortable bed, blankets, pillow, table, chair, armoire, water filter, and a safe, warm place to live near the people he knows. As Mayan Families' director Sharon said, it is only a simple room, but to Pedro it is a palace.


Ronnie showing Pedro his new armoire


Pedro trying out his new bed

We want to express deepest thanks to everyone who has helped to make such an incredible difference in Pedro's life. It's is a beautiful example of the great things we can do--of how much we can better the world--when we combine our efforts.

Pedro took some time to pray,
thanking God for these gifts
 
Pedro and volunteer Ronnie

Click here for more photos of the event (we have a bunch).

We are still looking for sponsors and some urgent one-time gifts for our neediest members, whose stories are up on the blog. Please help us to create other success stories like Pedro's.

Again, on behalf of Pedro, thank you all so very much.

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