It wasn't the best of seasons to be in Guatemala - those famous blue skies and smoking volcanoes weren't often visible through the low clouds - but it was beautiful nevertheless. We'd arrived in search of another possible production area for avocado oil, and were travelling with Olivado's Canadian agent, Kim Hannam (no relation). Kim was barely able to contain his excitement as we landed at Guatemala airport, because this was the day he was finally to see the house he's sponsoring for a foundation supporting the children of mothers in jail, and various other abandoned children.
We were collected by Maurizio, Kim's friend, business partner and the man who introduced him to the foundation, a wonderfully entertaining and compassionate man. He took us first to a great Spanish lunch in Guatemala City, and then finally to the house, where we met Vanessa, the amazing woman who founded and runs the foundation, her husband Vladi, and all 32 of their "children". It was an extraordinary experience. The foundation has been running for about ten years, and some of the girls have been there the entire time. A beautiful 20-year-old, who arrived as an abused 10-year-old and is now one of the house organisers, told us proudly that she's studying physiotherapy. Several of the children, mostly girls, arrived as very small babies and have known no life outside of this wonderfully caring community - the two toddlers we saw were thriving on the loving care of their 30 siblings. And all of them were incredibly happy and proud of their new home, a large house in a prosperous and secure part of Guatemala City.We were taken on a tour of the house, into the large bedrooms with rows of bunk beds immaculately made, spotless bathrooms and kitchen, and several large living rooms.
It was Vanessa's birthday, so we were all served cake, and then the children put on a series of little skits and songs in honour of their "mama". Finally, several inspirational hours later, the children farewelled each of us with hugs and kisses, gave Kim a pile of thank you cards they'd made for him, and we drove to our hotel in Antigua, marvelling at the small miracle of caring and compassion that we'd just witnessed. Kim calls his place an orphanage, but we insisted it was far more than that - an extraordinarily large and loving family.
It was Vanessa's birthday, so we were all served cake, and then the children put on a series of little skits and songs in honour of their "mama". Finally, several inspirational hours later, the children farewelled each of us with hugs and kisses, gave Kim a pile of thank you cards they'd made for him, and we drove to our hotel in Antigua, marvelling at the small miracle of caring and compassion that we'd just witnessed. Kim calls his place an orphanage, but we insisted it was far more than that - an extraordinarily large and loving family.
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