The McDonald Family: Village Life

This precious family consists of three adult sisters who are unmarried, raising their own children as well as their deceased sister's children. In addition the elderly mother also lives here. So two women raising and caring for 8 children and their older mother. One of the sisters travels to Belmopan, close to one hour and a half by bus, looking for work. Most weeks they have only 2 days worth of income to survive on.. $50 Belize.

We first met them a few days after we arrived in country. Anna, her sister and Anna's son Rudy came here to the house, asking if they could pick our mangos. At that point, we didn't even know those mango trees were on the property of 'our' home! Of course we said yes but could they pick us a few also? :) The two sisters showed up again a few weeks ago, asking if we could spare any used clothing for their children. After some prodding, we found out that they did not have any food in the home. We did the best we could to send them off with a few provisions but they continued to be laid on our hearts.

A request went out and we want to thank all of you who donated to our Help-A-Family fund. Rudy's family was one of those families who we have been able to help, thanks to you. If you would like to donate for further support you can email us at libertyjoyforme@gmail.com and we can give you the paypal address for a tax-deductible donation. We would appreciate your prayers as we seek the Lord for wisdom on how to help these dear ladies start a cottage industry that will provide for them, long term.

We head down the path to Rudy and Anna's house. We were able to distrubute warm blankets, socks, clothing, rice, beans and a little money all in Jesus name. We know that their greatest need is spiritual. We were able to pray with them. A few do not attend church and one of the ladies attends the Catholic church. They need Jesus.

We approach the front door with a bit of hesitation.. but we soon saw Anna's familiar face who graciously invited us in for a visit.

Albeit very small, their home was so clean and orderly. They were so hospitable to us!

Laura and I sit with Roberta, the elderly grandmother to this special little boy, Ivan
whose mother died just a few months ago. She seemed to be taking her job as stand-in mother very seriously. We were so touched by her devotion to her grandchildren.