This past week we have been volunteering at a local hospital here in Antigua. This hospital was founded by catholic church to help people who can not afford health care. The section we work in is the young child section. These cards were handed over to the hospital because there mothers didnt have the funds to continue to care for them.
It broke my heart to hear that some of them were nearly beaten to death with a stick so that they would not starve to death and continue to be a financial burden of there mothers. They are well cared for at the hospital by the nurses who make 1 American Dollar per hour. The sad thing is these children are still kids and need someone or something to stimulate there minds.Thankfully they are a few pretty awesome missionaries who are there most days. David, Pat, and Dick please keep them in prayer they are from America and Canada and have moved to Antigua to volunteer on a full time basis.
So this is where we come in we have spent the week playing with them, reading, trying to stimulate them as much as possible. The kids love it when we swing them on there wheel chair swing to
LESSONS FROM CARLITOS
This is Carlitos
Carlitos is 12 years old and has severe cerebral palsy
I can not tell you how much this little dude has blessed me so much without even saying a word! Here’s a few fun facts about Carlito’s he is a biter! He always has something in his mouth at one point it was my arm lol He loves all things soccer a man after my own heart.
I have probably spent a good 10 hours or so with Carlitos this past week, it was very daunting originally to hold him and to take him out of his crib because I have never held a child with his type of disability’s before but from the moment he grabbed my hand I knew he was happy I was around. He looked at me with such love in his eyes it really made my day.
SPENDING THE DAY TOGETHER
One of the biggest things I have learnt from Carlitos is how when we pull away God pulls close. Whenever I tried to pull my hand away from carlitos he would squeeze me tight and pull my hand closer to his body. How often does this happen with us and we fight and fight God on things but all he wants to do is hold us close look in our eyes and let us know everything will be okay.
What really broke my heart was the last time I was with Carlitos a few days ago as I walked away he cried that was a hard day.But a good day because I knew what I am doing is having effect.
When I am with Carlitos I am continually praying for him, and I have noticed how he seems to be able to move more and wiggle about when I pray for him. Its really encouraging to see. Man do I love that little dude!
Its hard to believe we have only been here in Antigua for less than two weeks phew! God is good!
In other news my funds are at $7,902 Its my goa lto be at $11,000 by Febuary 20th! CAN WE DO IT YES WE CAN! love you all please let me know how I can pray for you.
*thats only 60 on time donations of 50 dollers! please pray abut helping me to help people all over the world. By spreading thelove and hope of christ.*
p.s. below is a awesome video my teammate ryan miller made about our first week here in Antigua
