Pray for Rain

When 50% of your country's children already suffer from malnutrition and there's a drought during what is supposed to be the rainy season, you've got a disaster on your hands. And that's exactly what's happening now in Guatemala.
The United Nations is reporting that Guatemala is suffering from their worst drought in 30 years, with up to 70% of their crops destroyed. This has led Guatemala's President to request international aid to help the 2.5 million affected indigenous Mayans.


Carey and I had been told that it would pretty much rain here every day May through October, so we knew something was up when it didn't rain hardly at all for the past three months. It's finally started raining periodically, but it may be too little too late (the "rainy" season ends in one month). If it is, Guatemala may be in serious trouble.


The Ugly Facts:
- 75% of Guatemalans live below the poverty line (World Bank)
- 58% of them in extreme poverty (meaning they can't buy basic foods day-to-day)
- Guatemala has the 4th highest rate of malnutrition in the world (and highest in Latin America)
- 200,000 Guatemalans were killed during their 36 year Civil War (1960-1996)
- 30% of pregnant women are malnourished
- Poverty level in Quiche (where Carey and I work) is 80%


The extreme malnutrition in Guatemala is being blamed on: 1) price of eggs and beans has risen over the last few years (best source of protein for the indigenous), 2) no clean water = severe diarrhea, 3) lasting effects of the civil war, 4) the government can't help due to low tax revenue, and 5) cycle of poverty within families with too many children to feed.


How to Help:
1. Pray for people to respond to tragedies like this with generous hearts.
2. Read the book, "The Life You Can Save," by Peter Singer. I've read it twice and I promise it will rock your world. I'll never spend my money the same or feel apathetic again toward world issues. $15 on Amazon.
3. Donate. You and I are very powerful people. All we have to do is take a piece of plastic out of our wallet and type on a keyboard. It feels good to save a life.
Some charities that are highly rated and helping with the crisis in Guatemala: http://www.unicef.com/; http://www.savethechildren.com/; http://www.oxfam.org/; http://www.wfp.org/countries/guatemala (United Nations). *Note: not all of these organizations guarantee that the money goes directly to those in Guatemala, but generally "where most needed," which in part will be Guatemala. Go to http://www.charitynavigator.org/ to research your favorite charities or those listed above.

Have a blessed week and thanks for checking in.
Love,
Jay & Carey