Life in Guatemala: Glendy Marybel and Francesca Isabella

Grandma Francesca, Francesca, and Glendy

We came across Glendy's family from a local guy who wanted Chris to consider them for a 12X12 house and it turns out they live about 5 houses away from us. She has a mom (Maria), younger sister (Francesca), older brother (Marvin) and grandma and grandpa. They all live together in the same room and grandma suffers from eye and lung infections from cooking over an open fire in a small smoke filled cocina - cornstalk structure they use as a kitchen. The day we visited the smoke was so thick we couldn't stay in there longer than a second, literally. Very sad situation but what was even sadder was Glendy's skin. I really don't know how to describe it other than to say it was horrible. Her mom said it has been that way most of her life and she is 5 years old. After taking her and grandma, who had a bad eye infection, to a local clinic we found out she has an allergy to bed bugs!!! Just imagine hundreds, if not thousands of mosquito bites all over your body, constantly itching and hurting from scratching. The doctor gave her medicine and some lotion for the itching. She also prescribed a medicated soap for Glendy to shower with every day in hot water. This poses a problem because her family doesn't even have running water let alone a shower. So, we got the soap and now she comes to my house every day at 5pm to take a shower, hot water or not. :) After just 10 days, her skin looks so much better and she doesn't itch as much. Thank's to a great couple at Journey Church, Glendy's family will get a 12X12 house and thanks another family at Journey they will get running water this week and thanks to Word Fellowship Church they will also get a new, smoke free kitchen and shower. And the biggest thanks to God for allowing us to help Glendy's family and for putting it on the hearts of others to help them too.