Just thought I ought to take a few moments to provide some info on the family we visited in Xela (pronounced SHAY-LA). About 16 or so years ago, my father met and hired a Guatemalan, Jacob. Jacob had been forced to leave his country during the war... he was told to leave or he would be killed... so he came to USAmerica on temporary political asylum. He worked for my dad in the christmas trees in the evenings and on Saturdays after his other job. When he left Guatemala, he left behind a wife and three kids.... 14, 11, and 3. Jacob lived here for about 10 years during which time he constantly sent money home to his family. Then in 2001, Jacob got sick and returned home to die (my dad didn't know this until later). While home, he was able to get things somewhat situated for his family's future... by securing some land and a house.
After Jacob's death, Dad adopted the family and has been helping them financially, sending two of his grandkids to school and helping one family build a house, giving money to establish businesses and helping with health care needs. Four years ago, my dad traveled there to see how they were doing and that was the reason for our return trip. The widow, Ahora, lives in the farm house (three rooms that are cement block and three rooms that are tin walls and roof with dirt floors) with her daughter and the daughter's four children. The oldest son, Jose, lives in the city with his wife, and three children (they live in the pink house). The youngest son lives with his in-laws and his girlfriend and 2 yr old daughter.
Notes about the pics... the one is taken at the farm house where Ahora lives and the other is taken our last day in Xela... the two children dad sends to school are not in the pic....also in the picture is the mother of the oldest son's wife, who lives next door. The picture of the larger group is taken in the shop part of the house where Jose does metal work.
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