Orphan's Heart International: GUATEMALA MALNUTRITION CENTER

Each morning, our team gathers around the breakfast tables for a time of prayer and devotion, and we have been encouraged and inspired by the devotions thus far. Yesterday Regina led us in studying Psalm 119, "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path...", which reassured us of the guidance that we have in the Bible. Even though God does not always reveal His will for our future, He guides our paths on a daily basis. We must be satisfied with the blessings and the direction that the Lord is providing now. This idea is reinforced in The Gospel Project, whose authors advise believers to “consider the blessing before the task." This guidance and reassurance that we find in the Word provides comfort as we begin interacting with the children and employees of the Malnutrition Center. No matter our talents and spiritual gifts, we can be sure that the Lord has called us to be here this week to complete specific tasks, and that if He has called us, He has provided and will continue to provide the blessings needed for us to accomplish the tasks.

This morning Sylvia pointed out the significance and importance of names, especially those found in the Bible. After reviewing Genesis 5, we learned the significance behind the names of Adam, Seth, Enosh, Kenan, Mahalalel, and others. We were provided a list of the names of God; it is amazing that we can fill up a whole page front and back with His names. This list can guide us in our personal and corporate worship this week as we seek to glorify God and thank him for the many ways that He blesses His children.

It's always a struggle for the new team members to learn the daily routines and the children’s names, but Cynthia and Howie assure us that by tomorrow we'll be pros!

Jeffrey has generously donated his skill as a massage therapist to the staff this week, and while giving massages this morning to four staff members, two of them fell asleep and were reported to have even snored! The Center’s administrator, Lucky (pronounced “Luke-ee”), was one of them; she told Jeffrey that she will be informing all the staff to come see Jeffrey for massages, even the men! To help the staff relax, pine needles were put on the floor for aromatherapy. The staff were also given a foot wash and massage. Jeffrey is using his ability to bless those who give so much of themselves to care for all the children here at the Center. God is using him in such a mighty way.

Our littlest Canary, Maria Fernanda, who was admitted weighing only 3 pounds, left the Center today be transported to a hospital in Guatemala City. She is experiencing feeding difficulties related to a cleft palate, and she is severely dehydrated and struggling to breathe. Once she is stabilized, she will return to the Malnutrition Center to gain weight. Surgery to repair her palate cannot be performed until she weighs 10 pounds. PLEASE PRAY FOR MARIA FERNANDA.

Dr. Dulce began examining children today, and several were found to have eye and/or ear infections. Medications should quickly resolve these problems.

A family with five children came to the Center today for evaluation, and two of the sisters, Rosario age 2, and Cecilia age 9, were admitted. Another sister, Irma, needed to be admitted, but resisted. Poor Rosaria was inconsolable after being separated from her mother (who also shed many tears) until she was finally reunited with her bigger sister Cecilia in the Squirrels. We assured the mother that her children's were in God's hands, and that they would be well cared for. The two older children received new shoes and haircuts before leaving, and the two 1 month old babies received clothes and diapers. God has provided for these children in so many ways, and we know He has a special plan for them!

Ducks and Squirrels were treated to a puppet show today during Bible story time, with the theme “God is Love." They also spent time finger painting and playing outdoors.

All the Ducks got haircuts today!

Cynthia and Howie visited the Day Care today, which is located directly behind the Center, and we realized that there is immediate and great need for the 25 children who are there--from physical needs for food and clothing and supplies, to emotional and social needs for love and attention and the message of Jesus' love! We are excited to see what God is going to do in the days ahead as we engage these new children...literally in our backyard! Dulce immediately got busy doing her magic on the sick children first, and then all the children who were starving for love and attention.

We need your prayers for strength. The children need your prayers for health and growth. The Staff need your prayers for encouragement and support. God bless you who are reading this who continue to life up the ministry of ORPHAN'S HEART in your prayers and through all your contributions of love and generosity!