Yesterday was a big day in Guatemala

Yesterday was  a big day , lots of people joined in marathons all over Guatemala bringing the flaming torch to their villages where it lights something to mark , at midnight...that Independence Day has arrived.

It was a big event here in Pana....cars were blowing their horns, the neighborhood committee set up a disco just across from our house....it started at 3p.m. and didn't finish till after midnight.

Our windows were vibrating from the very loud music coming from the speakers...but nothing to do except either join in or reach for the ear plugs!

Our daughter, Zoe , who is Senorita Cultura this year was invited to be at the lighting of the flame here in Panajachel.  Many people had left town in pick ups and gone as far as the city and Chimaltenango to accompany the torch back to Panajachel.

A flotilla of tuk tuks left town and drove as far as Godinas waiting to accompany the torch back into town.

At midnight everyone is waiting for the torch.....many families gathered in front of the Municipality building...a big stage set up.  Music playing, the Mayor and all the important people are there on the stage, all the princesses. 

A good time had by all. 

Sharon

Sharon Smart-Poage

MAYAN FAMILIES

a registered 501.(c).(3) Non Profit Charity
www.mayanfamilies.org

An organization in Florida

Hi ,

We have an organization in Florida that came to visit us and told us that they could get us a lot of donations of new toys.

I didn't have any expectations that they would come through

But they  have done that!  

They called today to tell me that they have a lot of stuff piling up. 

But they do not pay for shipping.

They have probably enough toys and games , brand new toys that have been donated by a company for over 500 children ...plus the woman, Barbara, told me that she also has a ton of brand new Beanie Babies. 

The problem is the funds to pay to get these toys .

She estimates it will be 4-5 large Zuleta boxes.  

It will cost $245 to pay for each box. 

Would anyone be willing to help us with a little to get these boxes here ?

I am so sorry to ask for this but I would hate to lose all these toys for the children here.

If you can help, it will certainly make a lot of children happy this December!

Thanks,

Sharon

Sharon Smart-Poage

MAYAN FAMILIES

a registered 501.(c).(3) Non Profit Charity
www.mayanfamilies.org

A boy and his soccer shirt!

This is one happy little boy.....one of our sponsored students whose sponsor arranged for him to have a very special gift....a Guatemalan soccer shirt!

Cooking classes

Some of the people who have participated in our cooking
classes......we have cooking classes weekly of traditional Guatemalan food. The classes are a lot of fun!!!

Miriam

Miriam had a very, very happy birthday! Her sponsor sent her a cake and bought her a new traditional outfit to celebrate her 15 th birthday ..." Quincenera"! A Quincenera is a very special birthday. It marks the day that a girl becomes a young woman! Having new clothes is a very special gift and this was certainly a very special day for Miriam! Sharon Smart-Poage MAYAN FAMILIES a registered 501.(c).(3) Non Profit Charity www.mayanfamilies.org 
 

Imagine

Imagine if this was your bed every night ?   There is a thin sheet of plastic underneath the straw mat to try and keep out the cold from the cement floor.
Many of our sponsored families live this way.   You can donate a double bed to a family in need for  just $170 US. 

Mayan Families Summer 2012 Newsletter

Mayan Families Summer 2012 Newsletter!
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