GUATEMALA - June 6, 2012

Walter is walking!! Somewhat… He can walk but, like most babies, he would much rather crawl. I was even blessed to have him walk into my arms. He had to be put in a play pen when we left yesterday, and he wouldn’t stop crying. He tasted freedom, only to be put in a box. He took a little walk when we got in this morning, but then spent the rest of the day on the floor with the rest of us. Very soon, he will be moving up to one of the older classrooms! Mary’s parents were here today and sat by her bedside for a while. She is now on IV fluids to keep her hydrated. The look on her father’s face was the most heart wrenching thing I’ve come up against lately. It was a mixture of helplessness, concern, and gratefulness. Her mother looked like every mother next to her sick child: worried but ready for battle. The love that passed within this family was overwhelming. Please, please, please keep praying for them. The children were treated to a Wolgamott/Flinn concert today. Stephen played his guitar and sang in Spanish while Kevin played the guitar case like a drum. The children sang along with the songs and some even left their seats to help Kevin play. They were such a hit that they were asked to sing for the ladies during their lunch. This time Stephen sang in English with the help of Brenda, Jessy, and me (Abby). Olivia translated the meaning of each song before we started to sing. During How Great Thou Art, one of the nannies in the Canary room started to sing it in Spanish! It was such a great addition to the song and a wonderful blessing to hear her sing. Normally, she’s laughing at us as we try to wrangle the babies. We only have one day left at the Center and I wish it wasn’t here already. These children are such beautiful, happy, little creatures and I don’t want to leave them. This trip was dubbed “Snmuggling” by the FBC Leesburg group that came last year. Though I only somewhate understood the phrase then, I fully understand now. We all wish there was a way to bring these little ones home with us! Tonight, we will eat at a local restaurant instead of at the hotel. I can’t speak for the rest of the team on this but I am excited. It’s been wonderful learning about Antigua and walking down its streets. Oh! Before I forget to mention this… The team has been trying to get Thomas to change a diaper but he refuses. As a 25-year-old Marine, you would think he could handle it but, no dice. Apparently, he doesn’t even help with his nieces and nephews. Well, yesterday we got so close to him changing a child. Right before we left, he was holding a little boy and he did what little boys do. Next thing we know, Thomas’ shirt is wet and no one is rushing to his aid. One of the staff ladies had mercy on him and took the boy. Luckily, there was an extra shirt for him. (Sorry Thomas, I had to tell the story. It’s far too funny to avoid.) As always, keep praying for us. Pray for the people that live in the city of San Juan and that the Center and all its workers will have a positive impact on their lives. Pray for the families of the children here and for those that have yet to be admitted. Pray also for the Guatemalan Government, they need our prayers. Please pray especially for our translators, Olivia and Alejandra, it can be exhausting dealing with "Gringos", and we are so blessed to have them!!