Seeds of Love

The mission of Semillas de Amor Children's Village is to provide care, high-level education, and solid futures for Guatemala's at-risk children. In addition to consisting of a home for children who are unable to remain with their families, plans for the children's village include a school, a clinic, and a daycare facility for working mothers. The facility is in the early stages of construction. We are currently seeking donors and volunteers interested in helping make this dream a reality.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Update on Semillas de Amor Raids




We were alerted early this morning that the children's home would be raided once again by the PGN. It appears the information was correct and there was another order to take the children. The raid did not happen today and we are unsure whether the harassment will continue or not.

What I have seen is that many Guatemalan government employees, we have been dealing with, are growing weary of this stupid little man from PGN, Rigoberto Duarte. His behavior has been so bizarre and only lies come out of his mouth. The sad thing is that he is very representative of the PGN.

It was so crazy when he came to the children's home on Wednesday because not only was he absolutely high on power but he had changed his clothes (from when I had seen him in the morning in Chimaltenango) and showed up in a dapper suit and tie. I don't know when he had the time to do this but I do know that I didn't have time nor did I even think of changing clothes let alone even put on lipstick for my dealings with the press. The rest of his PGN cronies were dressed in their little blue vests.

Today was a tough day waiting for the PGN to show up and all the while trying to feel some since of normalcy for the children. I had taken my kids and a few of the older children to my house to stay for the day. I just couldn't put them through one more day of uncertainty and fear. Everyone is so afraid.

My lawyer and I went to court in Antigua this AM to make sure all paperwork was filed and were were told that the case was once again in the court in Chimaltenango and that we should go there in the afternoon. We headed off for Chimaltenango with more paperwork and most important was the document recusing the judge from our case and having the case sent to another court with less prejudice. We will go back in the morning.

I am trying very hard to keep my morale up. The support of so many people means so much to me and to my staff. Having police stationed in front of our home makes us all feel like criminals but we won't give in to their insanity. We have also received lots of support from people in Guatemala saying how sorry they are for what has happened. I can't even go into the the little tiendas where I shop without people wanting to talk to me and what has happened.

I continue to wait for someone to stand up and say "STOP THE INSANITY" but it just doesn't happen.

Thank you to everyone for your kind thoughts and comments. I will keep you posted as things developed.

6 Comments:

Anonymous Jordan said...

Nancy,

I can hardly imagine the stress you must be under. Please know that we are all behind you and trying to figure out what we can do. I spent yesterday contacting my congressman and senators, the Governor of my state, the US Consul General in Guatemala, and JCICS to forward them your BLOG accounts and ask for their assistance. My little girl is there with you, and my heart aches for her and for all that you and your staff are going through to safeguard these kids and get those with waiting families home. Please stay safe and stand strong and keep the updates coming. They are our only source of trustworthy information.

4:32 AM  
Anonymous Kelly said...

Thank you for the information. Please continue to fight to keep the children. Time is of the essence and every hour that they continue to be in your care matters. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

5:19 AM  
Blogger angiedovehatch said...

Nancy,

I don't know you personally but have many friends that have been deeply touched by your kindness and work. I wish there was something I could do to help. I am so sorry that you are living this nightmare. Please know you are in my prayers.

Angie Hatch

5:47 AM  
Anonymous Gina said...

Hi Nancy,

Once again thank you for doing everything you can to keep our children safe. You are an incredible woman and as I stated before in another post... I have the utmost faith and respect for you and all you do for the children and staff at Semillas. Your will and determination is simply amazing and what you are enduring in Guatemala is completely unfair. My little boy is with you and I know he is in good hands and I wouldn't want him to be in any other place than with you. Keep up the good work..stay strong...you are courageous and again if there is something the families can do for you I will be there immediately. My prayers are with you always. I appreciate all the posts from you it keeps me informed. God Bless!

8:28 AM  
Anonymous April said...

Nancy,

I am so sorry to hear of your recent problems and just wanted to send love and encouragement your way. The "stuff" in life can get you down if you let it...so don't let it. Just keep on doing the right thing and fighting for these kids...it will pay off. I know how tired you must be while fighting as hard as you have to right now...but you hang in there. It is worth the effort. Even when exhaustion wants to take over and cause you to give up, don't let it. You are the voice for those too young to have one of their own. Life's circumstances put them where they are and it is our job to help improve their circumstances any way we can.
If there is anything I can do for you, let me know. You were sure there for me and a special little girl when it really mattered. Stay in touch!

April

12:58 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Nancy

I don't know you personally, but from my friends, I heard the news and what you are going through at this time. I have faith in you. You are one strong ,courageous person. My prayers are with you. Have faith. Stay safe. God bless.

10:03 AM  

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