Here
is the continuing story of our mission trip to Guatemala. . .
Wednesday (7/24/13)
I was a bit
more tired than normal this morning. I still got up at 6:30 a.m. though. Today
I had a burning hot shower thanks to J’s explanation of the widow-maker shower
head yesterday. It was almost too hot, but I didn’t want to touch it for fear
of ruining it! J
I did my
devotions and chatted for awhile. For breakfast we ate cereal, toast with
butter and strawberry jam, papaya, and orange drink. Today we mixed in with the
Guatemalans at our tables. Or as J says, we “de-segregated.”
We left a
little late this morning and picked up M (a translator.) I sat behind him and T
on the bus and enjoyed talking with them.
 |
One of the busy market streets we
passed on our drive to the school.
|
Every morning
when we arrive at the school, we walk past a street vendor who sells these sub
sandwiches that smell so good. It’s a bit torturous!
Today the
sport was basketball. We started off with the older kids. I jumped in and
played for awhile. It was actually pretty fun! They are finally coming out of
their shells and talking to us more. A little girl named E talks to me a lot,
and one of the girls from the opportunity center told me I was beautiful. J
 |
Playing basketball with the older
kids.
|
The little
ones only played ½-court basketball. Most of them didn’t watch long, but instead
played games with us. T and some of her friends had us playing a game of tag
where you had to go to jail if you were caught.
 |
T (center) with me and one of her
friends. I think she’s one of the most beautiful little girls I’ve ever seen!
|
 |
Mis amigas.
|
The staff
game today was pretty low-key. I guess basketball isn’t as big of a deal as
soccer. J There
was no point in me playing because I’m so much shorter than everyone. I was too
tired anyway.
We left the
school pretty late and drove to the opportunity center for lunch. It was
amazing! We ate something similar to empanadas
or pastelillos. They are called Doblados and are a fried meat pocket
made with a corn tortilla, and filled with meat (ours had leftover steak),
cooked onions, and cooked cabbage. We had them with a red sauce and a spicy
green sauce, parmesan cheese, chips, boiled potatoes, oatmeal cookies, and a
rose hips drink. It was an amazing meal!
 |
Our delicious lunch!
|
 |
Hanging out with some of the chicas at the opportunity center.
|
Mr. J led a
game where he moves his hands together and the kids had to clap their hands. If
they clapped when his hands did NOT cross, they were out. It was fun! Then we
broke up to do the “Ojo de Dios” craft. I helped teach. Unfortunately my camera
got dropped and the flash won’t work. L At least it was old and needing
replacement!
At the end of
our time, I gave away some of the pictures I had brought of our family. The
kids *loved* them and kept asking for more. Even after we got on the bus, they
ran over and asked for more.
We started
driving towards the orphanage. I really wasn’t sure what to expect. Normally I
would have thought I would cry a lot, but I haven’t had a lot of emotion so
far. We had a little trouble finding the place. We were greeted by R who helps
manage the orphanage.
As we walked
through the house to the backyard where the kids were, I was struck by all the
plants, pictures, and other little things around to beautify the home. The
backyard was like a huge covered play area. They had a swing set, monkey bars,
more swings, bird cages, an open area to play in with hopscotch, and a little
table with chairs.
All the kids
were sitting in chairs. When we walked in, they started singing a song. It was
precious! They all introduced themselves and stated their ages, and our team
did the same.
 |
Introductions at the orphanage.
|
They sang a
few more songs for us, most of them led by G. Then she told the story of Peter
and the wolf, using a few members of our team to act it out. Ben (aka Peter)
kept saying (by accident) “Bien lobo” (“good wolf!”) instead of “Viene lobo!” (“here
comes wolf!”) J
Pastor D was a hilarious wolf. J
After our
little presentation, the kids played musical chairs. Three-year-old D got out
almost right away. I went to console her and held her in my lap. Turns out she
had a bad case of lice. The kids did some running races before we had some free
play time.
 |
Me with little D.
|
As I played with
D, she seemed to be carrying a heaviness that no 3-year-old should have. She
was probably suffering from one of the emotional disorders discussed in the
foster care books I’ve been reading. I played with a 9-year-old girl named I.
She was much happier, and wanted to ride on my shoulders everywhere.
 |
Playing with I.
|
We toured the
entire orphanage in 2 groups. They have about 25 kids total, but we only played
with about 12 of them. It’s actually more of a “half-way home” where kids come
for a year or two until the court decides who gets custody of them.
While the
facility was well kept and very nice, I still had the overwhelming thought of “No
child should live like this.” Kids were created to have a Mom and a Dad. They
(orphans) don’t have anyone to change their clothes when they get dirty, wipe
their nose when it’s runny, or truly trust. Good or bad, an orphanage is an
orphanage.
They went in
to eat dinner, and a little 6-year-old named E prayed. It was precious! He
prayed for the Americans and that God would take care of their cars and that
nothing scary would happen to them!!! J Kids are the best.
 |
The kids eating their dinner.
|
While they ate,
our group went into the chapel to hear the Director/Founder of the orphanage
speak. She is incredibly inspiring and passionate about the ministries she has
started (which include a church, homeless food kitchen, orphanage, and nursing
home so far.)
 |
Listening to “Mamita A” speak.
|
Leaving the
kids was hard on most everyone. We drove back to the mission house for a late
dinner. We ate a mix of leftovers.
 |
A taco, boiled potato, and doblado.
|
We had our
debrief meeting not long after dinner since it was so late. J, Pastor D, Ben,
and I stayed up late playing Power Uno. It was funny! We each won one game and
then turned in around midnight.
To be continued . . .
No comments:
Post a Comment