Orphan's Heart International: GUATEMALA

IT CAN’T BE THE LAST DAY! The team is working at finishing projects and continuing care for the children. Gifts have been given out to families of the workers. The ladies of Kathleen Baptist Church made beautiful pillowcases for the workers. Things are being wrapped up for this team, but the ministry of the Center goes on. Teams will always be needed here. The hardest part of the last day is saying goodbye. You can see it in the eyes of the volunteers as they hold those children who have become so dear to them this week.

The team is told not to have a favorite – to minister to all the children, but it is obvious that the hearts of many of the team have been captivated by the children. It’s hard not to become attached. Their needs are so great. Two of the children have now been declared officially abandoned, and they haven’t seen their mother in almost 2 years.

The Squirrels and Ducks (older children) are painting toy cars that will become a part of the “toy chest” of the Center. Stella is painting over all the doors the character for which the class is named. (The squirrel over the door of the Squirrels’ room has a crown, because some of the girls want to change the name to Princesses). Stella taught Olivia and Alejandra the sign language for several songs, and they are proud to show off their skills.

As the team prepares to return home, there have been “home” issues that the team must deal with as they serve here. Debbie T.’s mom celebrated her 88^th birthday, Debbie S.’s mom had some health issues, and many others that were left unmentioned as the team worked hard. It will be good to get home, but every team member will leave behind a part of themselves in Guatemala.

Today some of the ladies from both groups got a very special opportunity. Cynthia allowed them to join Lupe to make some tortillas that will be used for today’s meals. What a fun adventure! We were told that previous teams had started a competition to see how many tortillas they could make. Olivia made 12 and Danielle made 11. Lupe is very particular about her tortillas, which makes this competition tough. If you hear a "no bueno", you know to roll up the dough and start all over again! They had a blast being able to fellowship with Lupe and were excited that they will be able to bring their new skills back to the kitchen in the US.

People from different churches came together to serve the Lord by serving those at the Center. The scriptural challenge to minister to “the least of these” has taken on a new meaning. We have seen the challenge in the eyes of the children of Guatemala. Will that fresh challenge go home with us to Florida? – that is the prayer of Orphan’s Heart.