So where is Guatemala?

Guatemala is the northernmost country in Central America. Its 42,000 square miles are made up of high mountains, volcanoes, jungles, coastal planis and tropical forests. It could fit into the area of Canada 92 times and yet has a population of 13 million, approximately one third the population of Canada.

Twenty three different indigenous people groups inhabit rural Guatemala. These groups have their own languages, some as many as ten different dialects, and this has lead to cultural, social and economic isolation. As a reslt, the rural, native people of Guatemala have many needs.

The indigenous people have suffered greatly as a result of the 36 years of civil war. Many children have lost parents, witnessed atrocties and grown up in an atmosphere of fear and apprehension. The country's prepocupation with internal conflict has drained its resources and rural medical services and educational facilities are inadequate or non existent.

In the area where Shanon will be, the people are very poor. the average man earns a wage of $5.00 for a 8 hour day of heavy farm labour, dairy work or cutting and selling firewood. many families have 5-7 children and approximately 40% of the children are living in a home with only one parent. Education is seen as unattainable as children are often needed to work to add income to the family. Many have never held a crayon or pencil in their hands.

Impact Ministries offers schooling to the children and arranges sponsorship for them through people from other countries. They have been able to start 7 schools in the Tactic area. Thanks for the gifts of pencils, felt pens, stickers and all the other items that you are sending with me tomorrow. My suitcases are filled to the max with not an ounce to spare.

Bless you!!

Shanon