I'm So Grateful!

This is Kari and I at the Dollar store spending the money donated to the orphanage, we had $125 dollars and we used every last cent!! It was alot of fun, and got a TON for the money!! I'm so gra teful to those who have supported this project!!

There are about 15 boxed FULL of items sitting around us....not all are visible....but it's a full house!!!

For the past couple weeks Kari and I have been collecting items for an orphanage in Guatemala. I contacted everyone I know, and asking for a small donation to help these children. Wow...I'm blown away by the generosity that I have received from people. I'm so amazed that people I hardly know, or have never met...have been giving so generously just because I asked them to. I had goals for each of the items that I need, and I've either exceeded, or expecting to exceed that goal by Sunday!!! I don't know when it happened, but the items just seemed to be multiplying! I can't wait to get everything down there and set it up. Last night I spoke with kevin, (he's the one coordinating the cargo box) and he's given me an extra motivation to get supplies.

I thought that the babies would not be arriving at the orphanage until after we had flown back to the states. I found out last night that one of our main goals upon arrival in Guatemala....is to pick up at least 3 babies that we'll begin caring for. I was completely overwhelmed by this knowledge, and very humbled to think that I'll get to be a part of that experience. To be honest, I'm nervous about it all. I'm sure it'll be very emotional, because we can only take 3, and there will be hundreds to choose from. I hope the decisions will already be made by the time we get there. I could NOT choose a baby when there are so many. It would be unfair. With this knowledge and anticipation, I am going to do whatever it takes to get the nursery ready. This responsibility is unreal, and not likely one I'll ever experience again. I'm ready to dive in and help. Even if that means late night baby soothing, and diaper duty. Neither of which am I particularly good at, but I'm sure anything is better than what they're used to!!

Thanks again to everyone who has donated, and I promise to reportback as soon as I return!!

Chimaltenango, Guatemala

Have you ever heard about something, and known immediately that you needed to be a part of it? Last week I had just this experience. A friend of ours recently returned from a trip as a volunteer in an orphanage. As I was hearing about it, my heart just opened up. The more I learned, the more I felt compelled to help.

The orphanage in Chimaltenango, Guatemala, was started by an LDS return missionary Guillermo Rangel, and a 21 year old SUU student, Mandy Brooks. Both saw a country full of children in desperate need of help, and they knew they couldn't ignore it. Adoption has been banned by the government in Guatemala. Horrible things were happening to these children. Things I don't even want to talk about. Things NO CHILD should ever have to endure. Instead of reworking the adoption laws to protect these children, the government decided it would just be better to ban it altogether. Due to the new law, that leaves an estimated 4,000 babies homeless each year. Many come from abusive homes, drug addicted parents, or just simply parents that can't or don't want to take care of them anymore. Infants are left in the streets, and in hospitals. There's nowhere for them to go.

That's how this project all started. Guillermo and Mandy's orphanage is called Gozo, which means "Joy", in Spanish. That's exactly what they give them every day. They've changed the lives of these children who are fortunate enough to live at this orphanage. They are given love and the basic necessities. Things some have never experienced before. Gozo currently houses 6 children ages 1-14. In October they will be receiving 6 more infants, ages 0-6 months.
I know that as their organization grows, so will her ability to help more children.

I really admire their strength and bravery it takes to start a project like this. When I heard their story, I knew I had to help. In August I will be flying to Guatemala along with a couple other volunteers to the orphanage. At that time we will work to get the facility in better running condition, and help prepare the nursery to receive the infants.

If you would like to hear Guillermo Ranger's story read HERE .If you would like to hear Mandy Brook's story read HERE .

To help Mandy and Guillermo in their endeavors, Kari Nash and I are organizing a collection for items that will be sent to Guatemala by boat.

If you would like more information about donating, please leave a comment, or send me an email at martatyler81@yahoo.com

100% of donations go to orphanage and children!!!

Note: Kari has been an unbelievable help to me. When I first spoke to her about it, she didn't even hesitate to jump on board and help organize this project. I appreciate her willingness to serve, and her BIG HEART!! I could NOT have taken on this huge task without her!!