I am now living and doing ministry at Los Gozosos, an orphanage for mentally challenged kids in Chimaltenango, Guatemala. Here are some quick stats:
10 kids live at the orphanage; 3 boys, 7 girls.
3 nannies care for the kids. These women are incredible. They take a half hour break in the morning while the kids are napping. Otherwise they never rest.
We wake up at 4:50 in the morning. The nannies start bathes at 5:00, dress the kids and do their hair before breakfast. Breakfast is at 6:30. We help wherever we can.
We pray 3 times each day. These hours begin first with singing and then praying around the circle. It's hard not to see these times as solely routine, but then the nannies/staff begin to pray. We witness their hearts that are sold out for Christ. These women pray with such a longing for God that isn't present nearly enough in my prayer life. These are the things they pray for:
-Provision for their families
-The kids that they serve and love so much
-Revival in Guatemala; that the Lord would bless the people and turn their hearts towards Him
-They thank God for answering their prayers through sending help in the form of World Racers
Wow. We are an answer to prayer!? Not only is God rocking our world through being here, but we know that he is using us to bring His Kingdom to Chimaltenango. How sweet is that. What's more, it's your support that makes this possible. So thank you from all of us here – our teams, the nannies, the cook, Maureen, the principle, and the rest of the staff!
Prayer requests – see above 🙂
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Leanna and I at Mono Loco in Antigua
We hiked Volcano Pacaya on our last day together as a Squad before departing for our first month of ministry
We roasted marshmallows on the volcano
Daniel (16) and Brenda during prayer time at Los Gozosos
We organized the shed at Los Gozosos, a 2-day project
Daniel in his suit. He is handsome!
All of the staff and kids at the orphanage put on their traditional clothing for their yearly family picture
Nancy (18) is a beautiful and joyful woman 🙂
These are the notes that were left for our teams after being here for two days. They say, "Thanks for coming to Los Gozosos. Now, you are part of the family of our kids. God give you this privilege. ¡Enjoy! Don't be sad, be happy you will come back to your home soon, but you have only one month to stay with our little angels, they need you. We are their only family. Thanks for all that you are doing for them. G.B.U (God Bless You)… God is so happy for your job here in Los Gozosos, God will write those things in His special book. Remember you have a family here in Guate and we are here for you too.
