Month 9 has arrived! I am now in Antigua, Guatemala, living in a hostel with 21 women from my squad. This month is called manistry month, meaning that the men and women of the squad work separately. This does not change much from me because I have been on an all girls team since the beginning of the race.
I have the privilege of working at Casa Jackson this month which is a center for malnourished infants. 49% of children under the age of six are chronically malnourished in Guatemala. The problem stems from lack of education in the country. Mothers do not understand it is unhealthy to put coffee in their baby’s bottle and feed them tortillas every day.  So it is the goal of this organization to care for the malnourished and educate families on proper diet. Casa Jackson admits children for 3-26 weeks, where they provide proper nutrition and care for the patients.
Currently there are 8 babies and one 12 year old boy living at Casa Jackson. During my shift I bathe the babies, give them their bottle, play with them, and feed them lunch. Working at the center has been heartbreaking. It is hard to see such tiny children. Luis, a 12 year old boy, was admitted into Casa Jackson weighing only 27 pounds. He has now almost doubled that and currently weighs 45 pounds. So though it is upsetting, the center is very successful. They see children go home healthy regularly and even have home check-ins months after a child has left Casa Jackson.
Holding baby Kenner
Precious Jimena 🙂
Ashley with Diego.
Emanuel 🙂
Guatemala is quickly becoming one of my favorite months of ministry.Â
