GUATEMALA March 15-21, Farewell

We wrap up this week with bittersweet emotions, enjoying these last moments with the children, knowing they are our last for now. Some of us are having an emotional moment, although trusting that God has a big plan to provide for these bundles of joy.

I have been blessed to have been one of the designated photographers for this trip. I have been able to visit with all of the rooms and capture many loving moments between the ladies and the children.... from the biggest hugs to the brightest smiles that warm your heart. These children at the Center have captivated us ladies with their snotty noses, stinky diapers, projectile vomit, and crying. We all would surely do it again.

I was able to ride a tuk-tuk to San Juan today with Corey and Olivia. It was very interesting to see the town square full of vendors with their vegetables and flowers all lined up. There were so many people lined up with all of the native foods to sell. We were also able to see some of the colorful handmade clothing everyone wears. The nannies and workers here are such hard workers. I was able to take pictures of them, which we developed in San Juan. They loved them so much.

Ms. Mary and Ms. Colleen went and visited with the workers this afternoon and gave them some gifts that they loved. Today we dedicated the beautiful mural that Ms. Colleen, Ms. Susan, and Ms. Patricia worked on this week. The ladies dedicated is to Ms. Ilvie,  which was her dream. It brought Ms. Ilvie to tears, she was so grateful.

The team also purchased several fruit trees, that were dedicated as well. The prayer was that they grow and produce much fruit to bless many others that come after us.

Another one of our special moments was when all of the ladies brought their "non-favorite" (a.k.a. 'favorite' child) to the entry receiving area and we took a group picture. It will be a priceless memento that we will treasure always.

As we all gather this evening, to have yet another wonderful meal that Art and Ilvie have prepared for us, we are more and more grateful for this wonderful opportunity we have been blessed with. We would also like to thank Orphan's Heart, Howie, Olivia, and Alexandra for being such great hosts. In closing, I will have to take a moment to note that the ladies who have joined me on this trip have been a crucial part of making this trip special as well. They have come from many walks of life and have been through some of the toughest struggles in life as well, yet they have held their heads high and given themselves completely to serve the Lord and serve this ministry humbly. I thank them for filling my heart as well with love and support throughout this journey. I will forever remember and love you all.

Humbly receiving my blessing, Sonia Jimenez, in Guatemala March 20, 2014