Service in Guatemala with ODIM
It was a joy and a privilege to serve this past week with a mission team supporting the Organization for the Development of Indigenous Maya (ODIM) in San Juan and San Pablo La Laguna, Guatemala.
Returning home, it is hard to find the words to convey the powerful impact made on us by working in these communities where poverty affects 97% of the population in San Pablo and 76% In San Juan.
We installed 16 ONIL stoves which provide clean air in a home by venting smoke outside of the dwelling. These stoves reduce the chronic upper respiratory issues experienced by the family, reduce the time and money needed to obtain scarce firewood and offer the safety of an enclosed fire in contrast to open flames on the dirt floor. We also provided Ecofilters to ensure clean drinking water and reduce gastrointestinal illness. We were able to personally get to know the family and share their pride as they lit the first fire in the stove and watched the smoke vent through the new chimney. In appreciation, we savored the sweet tasting watermelon and papaya they offered us.
We also sponsored a Zumba class as part of the “Let’s Walk Together” education program that promotes exercise and healthful living with diabetes. The fun we shared with the staff and participants as we Zumba-ed together was immeasurable. ODIM provides education, health consultations, house visits, and low-cost monthly medicines, serving over 300 diabetic patients.
Through Tz’utujil interpreters, we learned first-hand from participants how additional ODIM programs were lifechanging for their families – including Medical and Dental Clinics, Healthy Mommy and Me, Adolescent Health Education, and Children’s Scholarships. These heartfelt conversations endeared the Maya community to us.
Our ten members came home exhausted but with full hearts and gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of ODIM’s incredible work in empowering the Maya people and communities of San Juan and San Pablo La Laguna.
We thank Wesley UMC (Bloomington IL), Mahomet First UMC (Illinois) and Discovery UMC (Chaska MN) for their caring and support for this mission. And we are grateful for the bond we shared as a team, growing closer in friendship and stronger in our faith.