If you’re like me and go through Guatemalan related news everyday, you will find that most newspapers are just rehashing old information and giving titles they hope will draw attention. Take for example the Washington Post Article called “Guatemala Trying to Control Adoptions." There is absolutely nothing in this article that has not been said before by this newspaper.

In the Arkansas Democrat Gazette their article confidently states: “Guatemala Suspending Adoptions.” This is based on President Oscar Berger’s statement from a couple months ago. Much has happened since then and the article is sadly outdated.

But if you’d like to read something a little more provocative, go to Robin Hanson’s website and check out his article on Baby-Selling. The comments are interesting as well.

Meanwhile, some people are building instead of writing. Joe Collins has just finished building his 103rd house in Guatemala. Inspired after visiting his son in Guatemala, he joined a voluntary group building houses there. When they moved on to another country, he set up an office in Antigua, and raises money when he is back home. And guess what he does to pay the bills? He is a private detective specializing in helping people find their birth families, and consequently a strong advocate for open adoption legislation.

And for those who are a lot more fortunate in this world, there is a luxury vacation spot in Guatemala, called La Lancha, built by Francis Ford Coppola. In addition to spectacular views and amazing birds and wildlife, all the fruits and vegetables are grown organically on the property. And if you get tired of all the pampering, good food, and natural wonders you can head off to Tikal which is not far away. One can only hope that Coppola is supporting some good charities in Guatemala from his profits.

And here’s a story about a coffee company with a big heart that not only buys their beans from Guatemala, but lets them roast them there as well. Earth Friendly Coffee Company owner Diane Hughes’s recent partnership with a roasting plant in the Huehuetenango area of Guatemala was based on the idea that the countries growing the coffee should be getting a fair share of the profits, and it is foolish to think that they cannot produce an outstanding finished product themselves. She is confident that they will know how to get a good flavor out of the beans they grow.

If you’d like to purchase some coffee from this company, click here. That is what I plan on doing as soon as I post this blog!

Photo Credit