LBCH Final Day at the Malnutrition Center

On our last day here, the bus gears grind in preparation to tackle the steep hill to the Malnutrition Center, cameras snap to catch the image of the place where our hearts have been stolen. We feel both joy and sadness; we feel because we have all fallen in love with the children, the staff and the people of Guatemala, but we must go 'manana'.

We have accomplished much in a short time, but if only we could do more! The joy of knowing that Ana Lucrecia is up, dressed in a little pink frock and playing. Or that Abalino and Marya are smiling, engaged and happy to be at school, even though this is their first week here.

 Their faces are calm and alert as they play on the playground today. They are cared for and prospering, a shining example of what the Center is doing for malnurished children here in Guatemala.

Some of the highlights of this week:

• A Praising Parade - a band of marching children and volunteers singing, buzzing kazoos, and waving streamers as they parade around the halls.
• Haircuts for many - bright brown eyes revealed as bangs are shorn, and heads are shaved.
• The kitchen and workers' bathroom - walls went from drab green to bright yellow - go painting crew!
• Inventory is counted, organized and sitting neatly on shelves in the store room.
• Photos are updated on the walls, new colourful frames are painted.
• Massive amounts of dirt is moved to repair the grounds after the installation of new plumbing pipes.
• Barrier gates for children are constructed.
• Glass is replaced.
• Two Bible Clubs take place at the Washeteria (pila) for the local people with Thursday attendance estimated at over 200!
• Interns are settled in the their quarters.
• Diapers are changed - for some the first time, and not the easy diapers either!

Room Updates:

Canaries:

Rosa is doing very well and starting to settle in, considering this is her first week here.

Please pray for Edwin who is back from the hospital but is still very tiny.

Irma is still suffering a soar throat and not eating well.

Marvin needs to gain more weight even though he is up to seven pounds.

Bunnies and Chicks:

All but little Angel are walking, but Jamilet and Daniel are running! Well, actually Daniel is not only running, but dancing up a storm.

Luis is pretty popular, because he is now giving out kisses.

Maria Acusion pulled herself up and was pushing a table and so close to walking!

Ana Lucrecia is playing again today.

Please pray for Mauro and Angel who have had fever, and for Marta who is very attached to a volunteer. We hope she will adjust when we leave,

  
Ducks and Squirrels:

This week the Ducks and Squirrels learned many crafts, new songs and games. Their verbal skills are progressing well, and while they all did well with flash cards, William was the star.

Please pray for Sergio who is a bit better today and no longer on IV but still needs to improve.

It's been a busy, productive week that was very well organized. It is truly heartwarming to see this team in action, caring, passionate and committed to strengthen and help create a healthy, happy, sustainable environment for these needy children. The love of children and God's Love to Guatemala is evident in everything they do.