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Supporting the Children Left Behind: The Guatemala Six Update

November 2009

Dear Friends,

I am pleased to share with you our latest update on the six children, affectionately called the Guatemala Six, whose foster care you are helping to fund. The children are thriving in their foster homes. We were delighted to receive another update on the children and to hear how they are growing and developing:

Updates on the children

	Fatima is lovely and a very happy child. She is well adapted to her foster family, calling Marta “Mama” and Marta’s son who lives near by “Papa.” She was sick a month ago but has fully recovered after receiving proper medical care.

	Jackeline is an outgoing and joyful child. She now attends preschool and loves listening to music. She is bonding well with her foster mother Marta.

	Anayely is a pretty girl, and though she is a little bit shy, she is confident with strange people. She adores Marta and likes to play with Fatima and take care of the other children. She likes books, and is looking forward to learning to read.

	Little Yury Danira has been battling nutrition problems since the spring. After several trips to the doctor, (funded by your support) and a rich and nutritional diet, she is doing better in the past two months. She is very shy, and her foster mother Ruth reports that it is still difficult for her to interact with people that she doesn't know. Laura, Yuri's sister, is also a shy and timid child. Because she remains in contact with her biological mother, who has mental health issues, she has had a somewhat difficult time adapting to life with her foster mother Ruth and her new foster family. However, she is described as "a sweet girl who needs lots of love." Laura will begin preschool next year.

	Juan Pablo (nicknamed “Eddy”) attends pre-school. He can count up to 50 and likes to draw and color. He is still a little shy, especially now that he is being treated for a skin problem on his chest and face. He thinks of Ruth and her husband as his parents and calls them "Mama" and "Papa." He is very well adapted to this family.

We will be sending some additional funds to Marta and Ruth so that they can host a holiday dinner for the children, and I will be traveling to Guatemala again in January to check in on the children and the families.

As we draw nearer to the holiday season please think of these children who are so grateful for your generosity.

Warm regards,
Stephanie

How to donate

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Mail your check	MAPS 400 Commonwealth Avenue Boston MA 02215 Designate "Guatemala Six" on the memo line

Questions	Contact Meghan O'Brien meghano@maps-worldwide.org phone 617-267-2222

Thank You!

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