Hamilton, Diplita, Fabiola, Gerson, and Emilia

Since we have known this family, we have always considered them under the name of the matron, Emilia Cordero.  Shortly after we started working with them, however, Dipolita and her two children moved into a new place because Emilia did not have enough space in her small house for all of them to live.  We have maintained them under the same family name until now because it has been uncertain if they would move back in together or not.  As the families continue to progress through life, their needs and stories are taking two different paths.  While Dipolita and her children stay in contact with Emilia (they only live about two blocks from each other), we at Servants decided it is time to “separate” the families under their names to keep better track of each family and serve them more specifically and efficiently.

The “naming system” in Guatemala for people is more complex than we are used to.  In order to better preserve family heritage, each person takes on the surnames of both mother and father.  This is why most Guatemalans have two last names.  The first last name is taken from the father and is usually what Guatemalans use to identify with and the second is from their mother.  In cases where children decide not to recognize their father as a result of neglect or other bad circumstances, they will choose to stick with their mother’s father’s name.

Since all of you receiving this message via email asked to receive updates from the Cordero Family (now Emilia and Gerson), we have included your subscription for the Escobar Family (Dipolita, Fabiola, and Hamilton) and you will now receive updates from both families.  If you wish to change your subscription settings, please reply to the email you received this update from with your subscription update and we will fix it promptly.  As always, feel free to reply to the email for any comments, questions, or concerns.