The Marroquin Family

The husband's name is Domingo, and the wife is Maria Luisa. They are both 32 years old. they have 5 girls: Dalila 15, Amparo 13, Imelda 10, Dayana 8, and Noemi 6.

Dad works 7 days a week, from 6am to 7pm each day. As much time as we have been around this family, it was the celebration key ceremony before we ever saw Domingo. He catches a bus to san lucas at 5am every day, where he works as a caretaker for a family's house. He cleans, maintains the grounds, provides security, etc. While it seems like a solid job, he only makes about 50q per day (about $6).

Mom runs the house and volunteers at the school in buena vista. 3 of the 5 girls are in school. All 3 are in 2nd grade (ages 13, 10, and 8). The oldest and youngest do not go to school.

The most interesting (and different) thing about this family has been the fact that they are very skeptical of what's going on. The first time we met them, they stood far away, would not smile at all, and did not believe us. Each time has gotten a little bit better. As a family, we commit to be the same way every time we see them - we hug them all, smile, and love on them. While they are clearly uncomfortable with this in the beginning, for some reason we have felt the need to keep it up. Slowly, they began warming up to us. As they have seen over time that there are "no strings", that we care about them, and that this gift is from god - not us... it has been sweet to see the small bits of trust begin to take form.

They are typically all barefoot, and the young girls in particular have feet that are callused and overworked. it breaks my heart to see an 8 year old with feet that look like they have endured a lifetime. The last time we saw them we gave them all new shoes...

While initially it was tough to get smiles out of this family, over time a nice friendship began to take form. They are sweet at the core, but have clearly lived a life so difficult that lacks any kind of playful spirit. Sad really. It's a privilege to be in the situation we are in... to love on a family like this in a way that can hopefully allow them to see Jesus. To perhaps allow them to be free to "let go" and trust. As we care for their physical needs i pray that god does so much more.

The key ceremony was a wonderful celebration! They fed all of us, and it was great to get to spend some time with Domingo. We continue to visit and spend time with this family, and it continues to be a true blessing to peel off layers and get to know them better and better.

The pictures below will take you through the progress...