A Typical Family in Guatemala
While there are families who are carving out a pretty good existence here in Patzicía, and there are many plodding along like the Samol family.
The Samol Family
Raul is a day laborer and Francisca is a housewife; neither had the opportunity of attending school. Of the 11 living children 7 are still live at home. Ana (23) only finished 2nd grade so she is having a difficult time finding a job, Christina (20) only completed 4th grade and is in the same situation as her sister. They both work in the fields, as servants, or as day laborers when they can. The rest of the children we brought into the school and are awaiting sponsors. Julio is 17 and just finished 8th grade with excellent grades. Ingrid (15) will be entering 8th grade this year, Veronica just finished 6th grade, Glenda just finished 4th grade and Sergio will be entering 2nd grade. All are doing well.
The whole family lived in one room with no bathroom facilities, and a kitchen made of adobe ready to fall down. Fortunately they were blessed when the family of one of our volunteers (Jennifer Bills) made huge sacrifices and donated to building them a new kitchen, a bathroom, two bedrooms, a living room, and a laundry area. This has made life a lot easier and more pleasant for the family.
Still, since putting the children in school the family has struggled because the children are no longer available to work and help with family finances; but the parents are willing to suffer knowing that in the long run the children will not suffer as they have done.