October 20, 2011
Theme of the day: “And I will take you in my arms and hold you right where you belong. Til the day my life is through, this I promise you…this I promise you.” (I have to say that my original theme was centered around the lyrics to John Lennon’s “Imagine”; however, as I was waiting in the lobby so I could write this final excerpt, the song “This I Promise You” by N’Sync was on but in Spanish. I hadn’t heard the song in years, and even though it was in a different language, I still knew the lyrics and after our last “wow” time, I felt that this theme was more fitting.)
This has been an extremely tough day as we all knew it would be. There was a cloud looming over our heads knowing that 4pm would come too soon, and we would have to give our final kisses and hugs and say our final goodbyes to the kids and workers. And just as we expected, the day went way too fast, and as the final moments approached, the ache grew until it consumed us. So many tears flowed and my heart broke into 19 pieces, all of which I left with my babies.
I am a talker, but I really cannot find the right words to express what this trip has done to me. I think we all were able to express our feelings together in our group, and I will keep that between myself and our amazing team. I can only say this…what’s left of my heart is exploding with love, gratitude, and awe. This country is so beautiful, so friendly, so colorful and accepting, and I only can hope that I have absorbed something from the people I have encountered and that it has made me a better person.
I decided that I have been hogging this blog and that you all are reading only my words. I have done my best to convey everyone’s feelings, emotions, and experiences; however, I felt that this being the final blog for this trip, it would be more fitting to allow each person on our team to add something they wanted to share about their experience. I asked each person to give me something, whether it be a special moment, something they learned, what they are taking from their experiences, etc. Hope you enjoy seeing this trip from each of our eyes.
Cyndi- This week was filled with new faces and new experiences. I enjoyed watching our team as the children greeted them each morning and how each evening the goodbyes were longer. Each of us brought different hopes and dreams and some apprehension; each of us will leave with more unconditional love and a willingness to enjoy each moment of life, each struggle, and each person we touch.
Phyllis- I am not sure how I came on this trip. Months ago I wrote an essay and said when I turned it in, if it was God’s will, I would be selected. I wasn’t and I was ok with that, the timing wasn’t right. I am the caregiver for my mom and it was touch and go. Then out of nowhere I received a phone call: “Can you go?’. I said “yes” immediately. God found a way! Mom is “ok” and I am blessed with a great husband. Then when I met everyone and learned all of their talents, again I was not sure why I was here. It was when my babies “Canaries” held out their hands and leaned towards me that I knew why I was here. I never experienced the presence of God so much in my life. He is always there, but to be surrounded by all the wonderful people on our team that feel the same way is overwhelming. I will never forget the experience and I am so glad God was able to “work it out”. Much gratitude to all.
Cari- Where do I begin? One of my greatest passions in life is working with children. So when I heard about the mission trip, I looked at Kaci and said “let’s go”. I had no clue what to expect, and I will never forget the first image of those children sitting quietly in their Bumbos. Little did I know, those quiet children would learn so much within 4 days and leave a permanent mark on my heart. They learned to crawl, walk, talk, eat more food, etc. But I came out learning even more than I could ever give them. I will never forget their smiling faces when taking them out of the cribs, or their messy faces after eating, or the looks on their faces when they saw themselves in the mirror for possibly the first time. I can’t wait to see them again. God bless those beautiful children and the staff and I thank God for granting me this amazing opportunity.
Cris- We are so fortunate in our country when you see how much love, attention, and kindness is needed in poorer countries…whose people don’t know any difference and how happy, humble, and friendly they are…your heart cannot help but reach out and give them whatever you can. My heart has been eternally touched by our wonderful team and our beautiful children that we helped to make a small difference in. Ron and Cynthia Gunter both have made my first mission trip an exceptional and precious experience. They are truly loving and beautiful souls.
Elise- Although today was the last day at the Center, it marks the beginning...the beginning of a new love. An unexplainable love for a place, a child, or a new friend. Words cannot summarize just how amazing this experience was. So in short, I’ll say this, love must be God’s greatest gift--not just receiving love, but giving love.
Lester- I know everyone else will write about a child (or many) that impacted them. I have those memories also. But I would like to share how much I enjoyed getting to know, or building stronger relationships with each team member. You guys are great! (signed “The Only Non-female”)
Stephanie- This trip has been a beautiful experience. Being the hands and feet for God truly has been rewarding, reflecting and insightful. The new friends I met, young and old, are precious memories I will hold in my heart forever. Seeing the smiling faces of the adorable children are engraved in my mind for a life time. To Ron and Cynthia, Thank you! I love you all.
Becca (Intern)- I’m really going to miss my new Florida Hospital friends. It’s going to be hard without them. I promise to take care of the babies and make sure the consistency of the food continues to be perfect! Thanks for being a great start to my trip. I love you and I’ll miss you!
B.J.- I am truly humbled by the love and kindness shown by my team, the Malnutrition Center’s workers, and the precious children. I saw Christ’s hands and feet through these people every day. Our interpreters were among these as well as the lovely people in Guatemala. I saw faith, hope, and love…the greatest of these is love. I love you all and will miss you dearly.
Janice- A special moment for me involves Odilia, who is now a 3 year old little girl. On my 1st trip in 2009, Odelia was a sweet little baby. On my 2nd trip, she had graduated to the “chicks” and now she’s moved up to the big girls' room. Today she led “the charge” as the children ran to the end of the sidewalk to say “Adios”. Odilia has been at the Center for 3 years and she is a strong and healthy little girl who was happy all week long and who showed kindness to other children. She is a true testament of the love and care that takes place here and I consider it a great privilege and blessing to have spent another week in this special place.
Marquita- Today more than ever before this week, I have a better understanding of God’s place. I am thankful that he has shared his children with me. I now see his invisible protection and infinite love. I am humbled. One of the best gifts I have ever received. I have 20 imprints of pure love in my heart and their names are: Walter, Alex, Little Daniel, Victoria, Santos, Mayra, Ophelia, Veronica, Brayan, Sucena, Marta, Jefferson, William, Rosa, Lesbia, Joselyn, Josephina, Big Daniel, Samuel and Adelyn
Kaci- What an amazing week! I came into the week hoping to change the Center for the better with my skills and knowledge as a PT but instead I was changed for the better. After trying to change 11 children’s diapers after nap time in the “bunny” room, I realized the overwhelming tasks at hand everyday. I have such an appreciation of how hard the caregivers at the Center work and how much they love each of those children. I hope I was able to leave my fingerprints here- in Billy’s new shoes, with several kids progressing with crawling and walking skills, and more kids doing “tummy time”. The eleven sweet Bunnies will forever hold a special place in my heart. I am so blessed to have been able to come here and share this experience with a wonderful team as we served God together.
Candice- Signing up for this Mission Trip, I prayed that God would use me to be an instrument to share his love with children in Guatemala. Little did I know that I would fall in love with all the 12 Chicks--Luis, Vilma, Maria Benito, Andres, Gerson, Maria Asucion, Erwin, Edwin, Gladis, Santos, Alejandro, and Juan Miguel--that I worked with. I became the mother hen to these wonderful children. They have changed my life in many ways and I will never be the same.
Lourdes- “Our babies!” That’s how Marquita, Becca R., Phyllis, Cari, and I would call the 19 babies (13 months-2 years) we worked with for 4 days. We witnessed how William (twin to Rosa) went from rolling to crawling; how Jocelyn went from just wanting to be carried to standing up on her own; and looking at Walter standing in his crib looking through the window at us as we came in. I just have to give so many thanks to the team that I traveled with, for the leaders, and the employees that work in the Center. From each I have learned so much, even from “my babies”!
Vicki- Driving through the city to the Center, I tried to prepare myself mentally for what I was about to encounter. However, nothing could have prepared me for the time I spent with the 24 “Ducks and Squirrels”. As we got the tour, I fought back tears and tried to remember what Ron told us, which was that the Center is so much better than where they came from. That’s a hard concept to wrap my mind around. It’s impossible to put into words all the emotions that I felt. There were so many memories I will always remember. For me, some of the highlights this week were: fixing the girls' hair in the morning, seeing the children recognize me in the morning and reach up for me to hold them, and to help the school teacher organize her classroom. My life is better because of this trip and these children.
To conclude, I hope and I pray that those children and babies feel all of the love that we have given them. I hope and pray that one day they will each know how they have changed us and shaped the rest of each of our lives. I hope and pray that as they grow they will get this feeling that they can’t quite put into words or identify, and that it’s the pieces of us we left behind for them. I wish more than anything right now that I could hold them in my arms forever so they know they are loved, but that is not possible, but I know that even though I put them down, God is holding them in his arms and they are right where they belong.
Again, infinite thanks and love goes to Ron and Cynthia for giving us this experience and making it so amazing. You are truly angels.
We ask that everyone send us their prayers for safe travel back to the U.S. See you soon.
Love,
Becca
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