SATURDAY:
Upon our arrival to Guatemala, my two friends Pablo and Abel greeted us with excitement. We waited among the chaos outside the airport with our six bags of luggage and our friends to meet the students who would also be serving with us this week. We were complete once the other 7 arrived and then we loaded up the vehicles and began exchanging names. After a short orientation, we were released to go down and see the kids. My heart was about to beat out of my body. As soon as my feet hit the yard where they were playing, three of my girls ran in to my arms and we just squeezed each other and exchanged kisses. It brings me to tears while writing now. I then found my Abe and hugged him to. All the special mothers and myself were so happy to see each other again. [These ladies are amazing.] It was such an awesome feeling when the kids, the moms, and even the cleaning ladies remembered me. I am hoping to keep my visits closer and closer together so that the relationships can only get stronger. Speaking of relationships getting stronger. My relationship with the oldest girl, Nayeli has really taken off and I now call her my own. I know that the Lord has grown these children in my heart.
[hugs with Ingrid, Ana, and Maria]
[Ingrid, Soto, and Maria]
[sharing dreams]
Throughout the rest of the afternoon, we played in the yard together and cozied up in the living room to chat. I had to explain to everyone why Matthew wasn’t here and thankfully they all understood and loved meeting Nicole. When evening hit my girls were given permission to come with me to the guesthouse and FaceTime Matthew. It was so fun to watch them interact and tell Matt about themselves and laugh when he gave them nicknames. My heart was full.
[My girls meeting my husband]
SUNDAY:
Sunday morning Nicole and I spent time with the girls watching Disney channel in Spanish. It was nice to cuddle up and relax. Around 11 we went to church where we worshipped in Spanish and then heard the message translated in English. The pastor talked about giving our best and first to the Lord. When the end of the sermon approached we were invited to go to the front and offer a prayer of surrender and first fruits to the Lord. I circled the alter with Nicole, Jeskia, Naomi, Ingrid, Nayeli, and Anna Lucia. The pastor closed with a blessing and tears began to fall as I heard a word I needed to grasp and surrendered to Jesus my marriage, my kids, and my dreams. The service ended with the kids performing a song they had been practicing for weeks. I made sure to sneak to the front so I could join in their joy and capture some moments.
[all the girls in their pretties]
[song and dance by the kids]
In the afternoon we went to a public park and played soccer, jumped rope, and goofed around on the playground. Nayeli is amazing at soccer! I was partial, and while my girls were playing soccer I followed around my little Abe. He displayed his creativity and curiosity as he and his buddies tied a jump rope to the fence above a hill and used it to climb and slide down. I can’t say that his little frame and the comparatively large hill didn’t make me nervous, but I can say that thankfully none of the little ones got hurt. We made our way to the playground after a while and there Nicole and I took turns letting Abraham and Yire jump in to our arms and spin off of the playset. Nicole, my crossfit diva, deemed it our makeshift WOD. I soaked up Abe’s smiles and giggles. Maria, Abe, myself and all the kids settled in to the grass not long after for some ice cream from the locals.
[Nayeli rocking the field]
Saturday night and Sunday morning Abraham was sad. The mother that takes care of him very closely, explained to me that he is experiencing a wider range of emotions these days and that she thinks he can feel when I am coming but also that I will be leaving. Sunday afternoon however, Abraham let go of that sadness and let me take care of him and play with him! He called me by name and stayed right by my side.
