Continuation of newsletter article –

Lucia and her team met with local friends of ACD and patients of the clinic to discuss stoves. They were able to get a sample stove on site which helped people see and understand what they were investing in. The projects promoted through ACD include a “dignity of ownership” share. Based on the families’ abilities and need, they pay 20% of the cost to own a stove or water filter. Over a few months they received commitments for 25 stoves in the immediate Pacaha/Xela area. In addition to these, they met with my friend, Pastor Rafael, his wife Maria and his brother Manuel in San Pedro La Laguna. Over a fairly short period of time, they generated commitments for 10 stoves in San Pedro. The order was placed with Chispas Estufas and the stoves were delivered on December 4 & 5, just before my arrival on December 6.

Upon arrival, ACD staff had a detailed schedule and plan to deliver and install the stoves. The general plan was to deliver 3 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon. I went on every delivery in the Pacaha/Xela area. The three stone open fires, open pits and drums that were used inside the homes were eye opening. Conditions that we have focused on to provide an efficient stove that vented the smoke out of the house were met with the stoves we delivered. The team was efficient to install with respect to the family’s requirements and ability to cut holes in the tin. Every home that received a stove was so grateful for our help to improve their conditions in the home. The team made pics of each installation and shared stories about their experience. Once completed in Pacaha we traveled to San Pedro La Laguna. Our plan was to install 7 the day we arrived and 3 the following day then return to Xela. During these installations there were two very emotional installations. At one location, the wife explained how many years she has wanted a stove. She tried to save for one but “life experiences and expenses” would not let her get her stove. With tears in her eyes, she was so thankful of our support of the program that allowed her to finally get her stove. At another location an elderly widow explained that her only income was hand stitching place mats that were sold in the local market. She insisted that I have one of her beautiful place mats. I was reminded of Luke 21:1-4 “but she out of her poverty put in all that livelihood that she had.”

This mission was my 20th trip to Guatemala. Without a doubt it was both memorable and emotional sharing with the families the joy of their new stove. One of the ACD interns gave me a new nickname during the mission, Poppa Noel. Seeing the looks on the faces of the women who received the stoves reminded me of the look on children on Christmas morning when they first see the tree, wrapped boxes and Santa’s presents. Thank you to all who made this dream a reality.  Please know that we are changing and improving lives in Guatemala one stove and one filter at a time!

Steve Fulton (a.k.a. Poppa Grande)
Franklin First UMC Member