The Other Side of The Story: A COTA Patient

Our organization does our job remarkably well. So well that we have thousands of former clinic patients throughout Guatemala. 
What we don't have the luxury of is learning the personal stories behind the women and children we assist. Getting a glimpse into their lives is both fascinating and inspiring. The women of Central America are resilient, and as you can see from Manuela's story, resourceful. 
Our patients are sometimes referred to us from associates in Guatemala. Bernice is one of those long-term COTA friends and team volunteers. In a recent email to me, Bernice offers a glimpse of life on the other side of the clinic line; the home life of a woman who we were able to help medically and surgically in 2016. (Below, as written by COTA volunteer, Bernice Kita)

Manuela with Jacinta, 2013

Manuela was married legally decades ago. Her husband left her because she didn't give him sons, although she had at least one daughter, who is now an adult with her own child/ren. Manuela, who lives in the town of Chajul,  says she was married in the church and didn't want a divorce, nor another man. She parents three children - none of whom are her own. I think the eldest, Clarita, is a grandchild. Pedro may be a relative, I'm not sure. The baby Jacinta was born a premie and left on Manuela's bed in her house when she was not there. She didn't know where the 2 1/2 lb. baby came from but she took it in as her own. While I was still living in Chajul, Manuela, who speaks some Spanish,  came to me with a mother who only spoke Ixil, who needed help with her daughter's condition. After I interviewed the mother and they were leaving, Manuela asked me if I had any food for a tiny premie, then told me the child's story. 

Jacinta, Age 5

I had some Ensure and boxes of powdered formula which I got from a COTA mission and I gave her some every few weeks. Manuela is a true mother at heart to these three children. When I suggested Clarita get the spot on her nose removed during a COTA mission, she and Clarita came, and Manuela brought Jacinta who was then about 5 years old. She captivated the folks in the Peds. ward! She is precocious but quite small and could use something to stimulate her growth.

I've not been in Chajul for a couple of years. Manuela recently called me to thank me for the help I gave her with Jacinta. She said Jacinta will go to first grade next year.

Manuela has been supporting herself for many years buying typical clothing and selling it in Antigua, etc. She also makes and sells a hot milk and rice drink in the plaza on market days. She may have other ways of earning a living that I don't know about, but I know she is dedicated to raising these children. I have been helping with Clarita's  education. She just passed 2o Básico (8th grade)