Aminta’s case has finally ended! We wanted to update you all on how it ended and also some other things about the family we were waiting to tell you about until now.

Aminta was sentenced to 8 more years of house arrest and a fine of 2,800 quetzales (about $373) that is due in July. The house arrest is the same that she is currently doing: traveling to San Marcos every 15 days to sign a book and prove she hasn’t fled. While it still doesn’t seem fair, it is certainly a lot better than the 20 years in jail that the prosecution asked for! While she wasn’t involved in any of the criminal activity at all, it was still her bank account that she gave access to someone else and they used it illegally. While her family is certainly relieved that she will not be spending any time in jail, the ongoing financial burden will still be there. Each trip to sign the books costs about $20 plus whatever food, etc. is necessary as it takes about a whole day to travel by bus.

One of the things that we are trying to navigate as a ministry is how to help them without her older kids taking advantage of Aminta and what we can offer. In our recent team meeting, we discussed how Jeny has been having some stomach issues every 3-4 months around the time of her period and they think she might be anemic. We are working on helping her get some testing to confirm that. She has always seemed to be a bit undernourished and a few years ago we helped her and the rest of the family with some food supplements to help with that. However, the situation has gotten more complicated.

Cesar has moved back into the house as a result of separating from his wife, Audi. Jorge is still living there as well and has also been having marital discord. The two of them together has caused increased turmoil in the home as they both have been drinking more heavily. From past experience, we know that if we provide some food for Jeny and the other girls, everyone will partake and Aminta has already told us before that she won’t deny her sons food regardless of where it comes from or how they behave. While this is understandable, it causes the same situation Jeny is in. We are hoping to get some kind of direction from the doctors after the tests and maybe some kind of vitamin supplement or prescription to help her. We had even at one point gotten her Ensure to drink as a supplement but she wasn’t very keen on that. It might still be an option though depending upon what the doctor says.

Nancy has recently shown interest in continuing her studies and was asking Olga where she is going to school in order to look into pursuing continuing her education. This is another testimony to Olga’s way of life is encouraging and inspiring to others! Lidia continues to go to school as well and is paying for it out of her own pocket.

Despite all of this going on, Aminta reports that her joy comes from the Lord and she praises Him for His goodness despite the daily challenges they face.

Please join us in praying for Jeny’s health, Jorge and Cesar’s marriages, and Aminta as she navigates the ongoing difficulties of life.