The Steem blockchain is a global powerhouse helping Venezuelan families during these difficult times, sit with me while I tell you the story. Blockchain technology shows tremendous potential, its name is infectious and everything associated with it often skyrocket. The Steem blockchain epitomize what is possible when this concept becomes a reality. Anyone in the world can tell their story, in this case, a Venezuelan who has access to the internet can share their story and be rewarded base on its merits. Few, if any cryptocurrency project offers this opportunity.

Last Wednesday I was speaking with another family member who was telling me how desperate things have become in Venezuela. Basic items are now a luxury and lawlessness is at an all-time high. Venezuela the jewel of Latin America, sadly has turn into a land of sorrow and pain. Most Venezuelans are desperate to get out while others are fighting to turn things around. Living in Aruba, I had first hand experience of stories as many Venezuelans frequent the island looking for opportunities. Some of these stories are heartaches as young beautiful women do the unthinkable to provide for their families back home. Things were not always like this, in fact, Venezuela in the 1960's, 70' and 80's was the land of opportunities as many islanders travel, some settling down and having families. My mother and her sisters were among the adventurous group, in those days getting a Spanish husband were these women fairy-tale. My aunt, strike some luck, she found her Amigo, married and had five lovely children. Likewise, men traveling on the Banana boat at the time often frequent Venezuela dropping off their cargo. In those days the Banana trade was good and the Lesser Antilles as it was call then, boat frequent among these islands and Venezuela. These sailors often fell for these beautiful Spanish women, my dad was no exception. When I tell folks, my dad has 20+ children, an I have sisters in Venezuela, I often get the shock face but in the Caribbean, especially during those days it was the norm. I am not to sure when Venezuela story turn into a horror but I know around 2013, one of my sisters decided it was time for her and her daughter to get out. Luckily for her, it was probably her best decision.

I remember in 2015 things started to get tight on the financial side, as a lot of these Venezuelan I knew in Aruba were talking about how much 1 USD dollar is going for now in Venezuela. I was not in communication with any of my family in Venezuela at the time. When I did speak with family members and inquired, the common response were she said things were good. Last week the wife of one of my aunt son's sent one of my uncle a message, saying things have taken for the worse and her mother-in-law wasn't opening up about it. Well I started digging and realize thingshave been terrible for quite some time. This is where things get ugly. Sending food to Venezuela through normal route is a guaranteed way that the person never gets it. The government basically ration everything, travelling documents are taken away in some cases and most businesses have closed down. Those who are still employed can't even afford buy bread with the salary as their dollar has no value. Sending money through traditional means, is a guaranteed way that the government would take a portion or the middle men would have taken half.

This is where I started trying to find ways around the problem and see what could be done to help out. Naturally, Bitcoin was the obvious thought about sending money and ensuring that they get it but chances of my aunt and family knowing about it is quite slim. Then I remembered that there was a strong Venezuelan community on Steemit. I did some digging and to my amazement, I started finding some truly remarkable stories. The SBD spike in December meant that lots of Steemian Venezuelan were able to have an enjoyable Christmas, providing for themselves and friends. What even shock me more, is the fact the it only takes 1 SBD at its current price to ensure that a Venezuelan can put food on their table. The Venezuela community is very strong and well drilled. I found that there are those within the community helping others with the exchange. Lots of Venezuelans have now joined and the community is getting stronger.
I want to appeal with fellow Steemians, that every day, you support at least 1 Venezuelan author with your upvote, it literally takes 1 SBD to provide food on the table and make a huge difference. There are two Steemian working hard within the Venezuelan community @nnnarvaez and @idandy, I am pretty sure there are many more
What makes this sweeter, @idandy lives in the same city with my aunt and her family, he has even offered his services of exchanging SBD at the best possible rate. He and others within the Venezuelan community has been helping other Venezuelans.

The beauty of the Steem Blockchain, on a regular basis you meet amazing people like these and transacting on the Steem blockchain is practically free. If I had to use Bitcoin or any other cryptocurrency, I have to take into account transaction cost and speed. This is the power of blockchain technology, it would be nice to get Venezuelans blogging and vlogging about possible solution for the current state of the country. I know one thing for sure, Steem can lead that revolution it would help put food on the table and everyone can voice their opinion without fear. Probably this is the Social Revolution that can empower the people of this Republic.

All SBD earn from this post, goes directly towards supporting my family in Venezuela, all SBD would be sent to @idandy