Friday, March 14, 2008

The Cumpar family has a new stove!


I was so excited to get an email this evening from Sharon, the head of Mayan Families, with pictures from Guatemala. Michael and I donated money for an Onil stove. And now it has been installed in the Cumpar family's house!

According to the website, it is a "smoke-free, fuel-efficient stove that cuts the wood required by 70% , eliminates indoor pollution and reduces the risk of burns associated with cooking on open fires."

We also got an update from Sharon on the situation of this family.

They sleep in the same room that the stove was installed in. Oto who took the photo said that they were ashamed of the bed so they moved it out of the house. They share the bed, one night half the family sleeps in it and the next night the others use the bed. The alternate nights they sleep on the floor on a straw woven mat. The floor is cement. They do not have tables or chairs. They keep their clothes in a cardboard box. They do not have a pila [outdoor sink]. They do not have a bathroom. They use the next door neighbors' bathroom.

I am now in touch with Patti and Tricia, the sponsors of the other children in the Cumpar family. I'm looking forward to figuring out how we can best help them.


1 comment:

Patti said...

I'm just curious if you've had any new news on this family? Last I knew, the father was resurrected (lol) - yet, the mother says he has left them and she wants to keep it that way - BUT; on the other hand - we donated for the fathers day basket for their family...

I think they are just so desperate for help... but, I'd like to know what's really going on with them.

I feel afraid to purchase any items besides food for them being afraid the mother or father would turn around and sell it.

How do you feel?