MSC archived stories - May 8, 2020
After prolonged 7wks in transit from Missouri to Scotland caught up in Covid lockdown, finally Welcome Gift follow-up from Fatima has arrived safely at my doorstep this week.
Fatima is my first child from Mayan descent, growing up in a family of five from Chimaltenango and the youngest by 10yrs to her elder brother. They speak Cakchiquel, and mom wrote to me twice so far showing a family with great pride and embraced dignity of the ancestral culture.
“My children, my husband and I want to thank you for sponsoring my daughter, Fatima”
"I got clothes for my baby girl to go to school, we feel very happy for the help you send us. We are a Christian family and we take our children to church and we pray God a lot for you."
I have only seen Fatima to-date in her Huipil, the beautiful traditional garment. I first thought her reddish dress worn in last annual photo is representing one of 21 different Mayan communities in Guatemala, but then came bluish dress worn this time. It reminds me Scottish traditional dress, Kilt with tartan worn in special occasions resembling each clan in history. It seems that nowadays Maya adapting all types of their tribal heritage.
But, I was scratching my head thinking how (lord) Fatima got onto her mom's arms. She’d be falling like ‘humpty dumpty’ if I tried to lift her up weighing 39 pounds (18kg)! Did you know when lifting a person that maximum safe weight is 35 pounds? She must have been used to being carried on back as common sighting in some 51% of Guatemalan population making up Mayan communities.
It's my privilege to sponsor an indigenous child, and learn about their trademark weaving traditions [mayatraditions.org]. I wonder the dresses Fatima worn are made by her mom. However, her choice of the shirt for Fatima's preschool is not of the same kind – casual, lighter top suited to hot climate. (photos added to My Media)
Your help means a lot to them. In some countries, it's normal to hold children in arms up to 10 years old. the average weight of children age 8-10 is about 30-35kg. I do hold my niece in my arms sometimes and she is 10. Although I'm not a strong person, that's possible because I do this since she was a newborn.
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Me and my 6 year old came to a different state to visit my sister. My child and i slept on the same bed but its a twin size. Last night my kid fell off the bed and without thinking or getting off the bed i picked him up he weighs a big 65 pounds (he is tall for his age) it is very possible lol. I carry him still too every now and then but yes he is very heavy. Love the picture by the way! She was able to get so much stuff! Isn't getting their pictures the best? It makes everything so worth it! That's my favorite part of this sponsorship💙❤💙❤
ReplyDeleteMay 9, 2020
Beautiful family pictures! The traditional Maya dress is lovely. I wonder if it is worn daily at home or just for going out?
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Beautiful photos. I see a lot of good food for the family! Maybe mom just holds her up for the photo.anyway it is so cute!. I still carry my 5 years old Simon arround because he loves that. But he is getting heavy for me..
ReplyDeleteMay 9, 2020
Hi All, Maria (Fatima's mom) is almost about to collapse, I can't imagine lifting double her weight!! They grow so fast at young age before even you realize all that weight is too much for you to safely hold them without getting injured. Yes, $90 can buy so much stuff in Guatemala compared to (say) in Ecuador. I’m glad you all liked the photos!
ReplyDeleteMay 9, 2020
Nancy, Great question! A huipil (pronounced 'wee-peel') is the blouse, and the long skirt called corte, which is wrapped around the waist several times usually reaching her ankles. The whole garment is called Traje. Though the huipil is an everyday wear garment, some intricate, decorative versions worn in ceremonial events (btw just seen an unprecedented appearance of children waiting in colorful huipils!). Also, color of huipil symbolizes certain traits (e.g. reddish for happiness and strength, whereas bluish for perseverance). Sometimes huipils are replaced by causal wear, like Fatima's new shirt, but the corte is most often worn at all times.
ReplyDeleteMay 9, 2020
Just wanted to dedicate this story for reflection on International Mother's Day TODAY! [facebook.com/children/videos/235919021008453] – My heart melted when saw Juliana with her mom!
ReplyDeleteMay 10, 2020
Beautiful! Is that the mother broshing her hair??
ReplyDeleteMay 10, 2020
Thanks Marie – Yes, the first time ever I saw her mom! Dad used to write to me when Juliana was little, and I believe the filming was done in front of their grandparent's house. (I'm currently helping to build a new house right next to it)
ReplyDeleteMay 10, 2020