Guatemala

Powerful words from one of our amazing team members this week . . .

 

No place I would rather be.

 

Going into this trip, I never would have expected to be so attached to the kiddos here. I have been working mainly with the Duckies and Squirrels, and it did not take long for them to steal my heart. I was immediately captivated by Andres and Gerson, the twin trouble makers and superstars around here. The love they have for each other truly radiates, and they light up a room instantly. It did not take long for Marvin to grab my attention, and I have never smiled so much around a person. He seems quiet and reserved at first, but plop him in your lap and tickle him and he won't stop laughing for hours. A girl on our team taught Luis Fernando how to say "I love you" and it is difficult not to try to sneak him onto the bus and into the United States. Guadalupe spent a couple of hours in my arms yesterday, and I was blessed to hold her tiny figure and ask our eternal Father to care for her and love her. One little boy at breakfast held out his food for me, offering to give it to me. I was so moved and amazed that even though I flew four hours to love and care for him, he showed me an example of Christ's unconditional love. Another morning a couple of us held the Bunnies and sang a little bit of "Jesus Loves Me" and "How He Loves." The kids were entranced and actually managed to avoid crying for about 10 minutes. The Canaries are a blast to watch! A 2 month old named Stephanie joined our group today, and she is quite precious. Marvin is the biggest trouble maker of the bunch, but with a smile like his it is impossible not to grin back. The babies are so cute no one minds the numerous explosive diapers and constant spit up! (Sorry, I had to add poop somewhere!)

 

All in all, this week has been phenomenal, and the Spirit has moved fiercely in each of us. We have learned this week that even if there is a language barrier, we are all unified in the Heavenly Father. Through The Lord we have been able to bond together to be His hands and feet. We have come here to show these children who have faced so much trauma that the love of God surpasses all suffering, all tribulation, and all pain. We have had the immense blessing to care for other's children, but more importantly, the beautiful children of God. And oh, how valuable they are!

Today I had the biggest blessing of all. Every time I picked up a kid (which was VERY frequent) I squeezed the child tightly and whispered a prayer to God over him or her. And even if I will not always be at the center, my heart will always cry out to God to care for His children to continue to be faithful. The love we expressed to these kids is quite slim compared to His, and I am so excited to see His will play out in each of their lives. Praise The Lord!