Thirteen Years in My Pocket

Trek up to Barrios 2 to bring shoes to children.

Look at the face of the young man in the middle. He changed my life a few days ago and doesn't even know it.

This boy has been raising his sister alone for two years since his mother died (father has also passed away). On Mother's Day, his deceased mother received a notice from the San Marcos municipality that the water would be turned off if the bill was not paid. It had not been paid for 13 years. THIRTEEN YEARS!

He visited his part-time employer and asked if he could borrow money and repay or work it off over time. There were also other needs like a school uniform for his little sister who turned 13 and will enter a new school--extra expenses that we all learn to navigate as our children grow. He, however, had to learn while still a child himself. 

In the small community of San Marcos, job opportunities are tough to find. He is fortunate to work for my new friend Alex, who is a benevolent force in the community. Alex provides many jobs through various projects and leads many philanthropic efforts including educational scholarships. I will describe one type of long-term project later--it's brilliant! But he is just one person. The need is never-ending.

I was in the room when the need was presented. I don't know Spanish, but I picked up enough through listening to their conversation and some calls that were made to start doing math. 

13 years X 65 Q = 845 Quetzales

845 Q / 7.5 USD Exchange = $112.67

I am also one person--one who can make a difference. This 13-year debt was in my purse. My spending money could redeem an overwhelming debt. Did I do something? YOU BET! But it also turned into something bigger: a building project. Stay tuned for more!

What am I doing? Making a difference!