Guatemala, October 25th-31st, 2014

Florida Hospital Group & Friends

Today is our last day here at the Center. It has been a wonderful experience! There is something about these children that automatically captures your heart and soul. Their little faces and smiles will forever be in our minds.

This is my first time here in Guatemala, and I have to say I did not know what to expect. I was excited but nervous. Let me tell you, about five minutes into the first day...I was a goner. The smiles of these children and the joy they shine forth is so welcoming and captivating, it is truly amazing.

Children are so special. Jesus mentions children many times in the Bible, especially about how precious they are to Him. He told His disciples, "Let the little children come to Me." These children here in Guatemala are God's precious ones. When I think about that, it humbles me. To think, Jesus has called me here to another country to care for and love HIS beloved! What an honor He has bestowed upon us, to be vessels of love in our Savior's hands. To lavish upon these little ones the love of Christ.

One of the many things that come to mind when I think about the past few days are the smiles! They melt you. And even better, when you receive a smile of recognition. When you have made a connection, a forever friend. Some are more easily given than others but all are so special! The first day we arrived, Monday, a little boy named Daniel arrived. He was very fragile emotionally. Crying as nannies left the room, not wanting to play with other children, and shying away from us gringos. On Wednesday, a breakthrough was made. God gave me the opportunity to enter into his suffering and love on him. We took a stroll around the room hand in hand, kicking the soccer ball to keep our mind off of missing his mommy and daddy. Then we sat on the mat with the other dolphins, Daniel in my lap. Glancing at toys, picking one up occasionally and snuggling! Many hugs, bounces and pats on the back later he was asleep with his little head on my shoulder. Later on that day I even got a smile and some laughter out of him! That was the highlight of my week, to enter into his world and give him rest. While on a different scale, this is what Jesus has done for me! He has entered into my world and given me love and peace and rest in His embrace.He is such a gracious God!

I could go on and on about these children, but I will end with this verse,"He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8)

Give thanks to Jesus for all He has done!

Guatemala, October 11th-17th, 2014

Orchard Hill Community Church, Victory Life Church & Friends

Wow. What an adventure it has been here in Guatemala at the Malnutrition Center. Friends who took the trip last year gave us an idea of what we might experience, but this went way beyond our expectations! Monday morning started in the baño (bathroom) with eleven little "chicks" sitting on a little bowl they call pots. My mom and I thought it was so funny. They sit on those pots and they are so content. The "Chicks" are the toddlers at the center, and they are currently potty training. It is a funny sight to see when they sit on those pots. In the morning when we get them off their pots they take a bath and then we get them ready for the day. 

The other day I was playing with my "non favorite" (as we call our favorites), Anibal. And I said to him,"I love you!" And he said right back to me "I love you!" It was the cutest thing ever. In the lunch room, a little boy came up to me and started climbing on my back. Ever since I gave him a piggy back ride on our first day, each day since then he has come up to me, given me a hug and said,"I love you." He is such a sweetheart. I can't believe I am on this trip loving on these kids. I know that everyone on this trip will go home feeling changed. I know I will! 

There is one thing that I have had a hard time with, and that is the language barrier. I think others have had a hard time with that, too. But God gave us different languages so that we can communicate not just by what we know but what others know too. I realized that you can communicate even though you are from different backgrounds. For example, with the nannies at the center, if a baby needs a diaper change, you don't need to know how to speak Spanish to tell them that. You can (as I have) use hand gestures. 

There is one language we all have in common here and that is Love. LOVE is what these kids need. You can tell the nannies love the kids, but they don't always have enough time to spend quality time with every child. This is why it is important for teams to come down here. God brought us across the world so that these kids could be loved in a special way. God says "Let the children come," which I think means to love them, because they are just as important as you, me or anybody. Any time you have the chance to love on some kids take the opportunity, because it will change your life and your world forever.

- Kensley H.

  (11 yrs. old and and trying to become more like Jesus every day.)