The Lopez Garcia family has been working hard for a better future.  Juan continues to study hard to complete his education.  He is studying on the weekends and sometimes has work as a bus helper during the week.  A bus helper collects money and calls out the bus route to waiting passengers at each bus stop.  Because of the nature of this job as well as the extorsion that exists in Guatemala against bus drivers bus helpers are arguably the most dangerous profession in Guatemala.  Please join us in praying for Juan’s safety as he works hard to help provide for his family.  When Juan has work he makes between $4 and $6 per day.

Maribel continues to work hard making tortillas.  Several months ago, her sister helped her with the money needed to purchase a special type of flat griddle called a plancha in Spanish to make tortillas.  She uses propane to operate it, so it is much better for the family’s health than the wood burning grill she had been using before.  Maribel shared with us that she typically makes and sells between 600-700 tortillas per day and more on weekends.  After all expenses, working 7 days per week, she’s able to make between $20-$30 per week.  The tortilla business that she’s running is the only one on their street, and it keeps her very busy and gives her a sense of purpose knowing that she’s able to provide a staple food for so many people.

One struggle that the family has been dealing with over the past few months is that Vilma ran away from home.  The family woke up one Sunday morning to a note on her bed that stated that she wanted to be with a guy who she had met in December while working at a job in Guatemala City.  The family had been opposed to this relationship because they had never met the guy, and because Vilma has never been in a relationship before.  Vilma stated in the note that she appreciated everything the family has done for her and for taking her in and raising her, but that she wanted to start a life with her boyfriend.  She stated that she would be okay and asked the family not to look for her.  We, nor the family, has heard from her since.  Please join us in praying for Vilma’s safety and peace for the family that has raised her since she was 9 months old.

Thank you for all of your continued prayers and support for the Lopez Garcia family!