So, my kitchen is finally clean, the laundry is currently spinning in the dryer, and I can finally settle down a little bit to write about Guatemala. Only, I'm not going to write a ton. I'm going to keep it relatively simple. I might even throw in a few pictures.
Our trip had its ups and downs. We lost luggage, but the one personal bag was recovered quickly. Most of our tools were stolen en route to Guatemala, more than likely on the American side of things. The well wasn't as far along as we needed it to be, but they were making progress and, let's face it...they're getting their well- just not on a convenient guideline for us. But it's not about us.
This trip was very different for me. I don't guess it was as shocking as last time. Because I'd been before, and knew what to expect, I was so much more relaxed. I was able to enjoy the kids more. I was able to let so many things go. I was able to hug on the kids and remember why I was there and help show them the rescue that is coming.
See, one of the issues I had on coming back from Guatemala was that I couldn't fix everything for the kiddos. But this time, before leaving (in May actually), I read a story that gave me perspective on my job there. Apparently, once there was a group of hikers that got stuck on a mountain in different places, and the helicopter couldn't rescue them all at once, so they sent down individual rescuers to each of the stranded hikers. The rescuers were to heal their wounds, clothe and feed them, and tell them of the coming rescue. That's what we're called to do in places like an orphanage in Zacapa, Guatemala. Knowing that before going made all the difference in the world.
The trip had its issues, no doubt, but I'm not dwelling on that really anymore, because they were mostly interpersonal. The challenge was to remember that for these individuals on the trip, it was their first time seeing things like this, and it was also probably hard for them that eight of us had been on the trip already, and three of us had been on a total of eight mission trips together. I had to keep reminding myself that they were where I was last year, and that they needed a little grace. That got harder as the week went on, but I either tried harder or kept my mouth shut.
Our group at the church in Guatemala. This time they gave us little over-the-shoulder satchels (Indiana Jones has one) which is why it looks like half of us are wearing sashes.
This is the shot as we are leaving. I try to get this picture evey year. This shot is straight out of camera. Some photos need no editing.
Me and Jose David. Last year, he would start wailing the moment any gringos would come into the nursery, and run from us. This was the first day we were there. He's a tobbler now, so he's up and walking and playing with the other boys. The fact that he stopped crying on the first day was accomplishment enough, but by the end of the trip, he and I were BFF and had little fun words we used to get each other's attention and such.
Stay tuned tomorrow for super fun tales of travel, and not one, but two letters to members of the general public.
Wow. Looking at those eyes through the gate brings back heart-wrenching memories. There are no words to express the deep desire to want to "rescue" them, huh? It hurts badly that we can't just bring them with us since the prospect of it getting better there seems so slim. Glad you went again and was able to love on them and tell them of the rescue coming.
ReplyDeleteLove your little clock widget. ; )